Buschow Henley believe the creation of public buildings and public open space presents a client with a remarkable opportunity to communicate ideas about their community, about society, democracy and the arts. In this way a new theatre, library or town hall has the potential to redefine a place and to reinvigorate a community. We are committed to creating unique and challenging, but accessible and enjoyable environments for the arts. We recognise the importance that is placed on operational demands and the need to reconcile these with the enduring role of architecture to make a place. We are familiar with the funding strategies and of the importance of inclusive consultation.

In 1995 we undertook a feasibility for charity L'Ouverture to develop a mobile teaching theatre. Although the project remains unbuilt, it led to a commission to design a permanent base at Trinity Buoy Wharf, on the north bank of the Thames overlooking the Dome/ 02 Arena.

Our IPPR Designs on Democracy competition scheme for Letchworth Town Hall (2003) drew a distinction between the space of democracy and the place of bureaucracy charging the public spaces with meaning.  Designs included a new multi-purpose council chamber and library surrounded by ‘market stall’ pitches for each council ward.

Our competition-winning scheme for a Performing Arts Building at Caldicott School (2001-2004) in Buckinghamshire accommodates a new performance space together with several additional teaching spaces and forms a new quad.

In 2005 we were selected to design the new Goole Arts & Civic Centre in the East Riding of Yorkshire.  The scheme, which was granted detailed planning consent in 2007, seeks to forge links between the arts and commerce, and between the high street and a recently completed shopping centre.  In so doing the Arts & Civic Centre will tap into the everyday life of Goole and become an integral part of its culture and identity.

In 2006 we were commissioned to design a new music school for St. Benedict’s School (granted planning consent in 2007) and in 2007 began designs for a multi-purpose pavilion for Horus Capital for the Lootch project in Moscow.  Both are expected to be complete in 2008.