The RIBA + VitrA talks bring together architects that are building structures rooted in place, shaped by their context and values of integrity.
Join us for the start of the autumn programme and continuation of the series Forms of Exchange: Exploring the spaces in-between.
The season begins with Asif Khan, whose work transcends conventional practice. His explorative approach enables a broad and diverse portfolio varying in scale from small installations, to pavilions and large-scale cultural projects. Khan’s sensibility is unique and he engages in a deep dialogue to understand the core principles of each project, responding to the context, and content to create meaningful experiences.
Creativity is core to his process and his love of craft and making is evident through his use of materials, testing the boundaries of both aesthetics and function. The commitment and enthusiasm Khan brings to each project is compelling and apparent through the different collaborations and the scale at which his architectural interventions keep growing.
Join us for what will be a fascinating evening and deep dive into the practice and thought processes of Asif Khan as he presents his latest projects and discusses his influences and vision for the future.
Asif Khan
Portrait: Asif Khan, courtesy Royal Commission for AlUla - Photographer: Luke Walker.
Asif Khan founded his London-based practice in 2007, which designs buildings, landscapes, installations, exhibitions and objects. His work is concerned with sensory experience, craftsmanship, cultural exchange and the merging of history with future worlds.
He is currently working on the Barbican Art Centre Renewal, the new London Museum, opening 2026, itself the largest cultural project in Europe, and Liverpool Canning Dock waterfront transformation, a site at the centre of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. In 2020, he completed 6.5km of public realm design of Dubai Expo 2020, where his carbon-fibre entry portals received the Dezeen public award 2021 and nomination for the Aga Khan award for Architecture. He received the Grand Prix for Innovation (Cannes 2014) and Architect of the Year (German Design Council 2017).
His works have been exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts, V&A Dundee, Milan Salone, Milan Triennale, Gwangju Design Biennale, the Design Museum, London, London Design Week, Tokyo Design Week, and currently at MAAT Lisbon. He has taught at the Royal College of Art and at Musashino Art University, Tokyo. Khan was awarded an MBE for Services to Architecture in 2017 and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Design Museum in London.
This event is part of our Forms of Exchange: Exploring the spaces in between series of talks for the RIBA + VitrA Partnership.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to add social, economic, and cultural value to society, and VitrA Bathrooms are proud to be supporting such an inspiring programme.
This event is part of our Forms of Exchange: Exploring the spaces in between series of talks for the RIBA + VitrA Partnership. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to add social, economic, and cultural value to society, and VitrA Bathrooms are proud to be supporting such an inspiring programme. With innovation at its core, a global reach, and a tradition of collaborating with celebrated architects and designers, the VitrA bathroom brand has become a world leader, synonymous with contemporary sophistication since the mid-1900s.
