Learning Building tour
British Sign Language Tour: The Architecture of the Design Museum
Join guide Edward Richards for a tour of the Architecture of the Design Museum, delivered in British Sign Language for d/Deaf visitors using BSL and their companions.
What to expect
The architectural firm RMJM was commissioned to design a building to house the Commonwealth Institute, which opened on this site in 1962. The activities of the Commonwealth Institute ceased in 2003 and the unique landmark Grade II* listed building stood vacant for over a decade, before being transformed by John Pawson’s design team, who made the building fit for a 21st century museum.
From the magnificent hyperbolic parabola rooftop to unique spatial qualities and lesser-known features and attributes, the tour fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of significant stakeholders and this very special structure.
Facilitator
Edward Richards
Richards studied Graphic Design at Camberwell College of Arts and since 2002 has enjoyed delivering British Sign Language tours in museums and galleries to the Deaf community. In addition, he has given socio-documentary photography talks on artists including Robert Frank and Elton John’s ‘The Radical Eye’ exhibition at Tate Modern.
Book Online
Booking information
• Pre-booking is required as places are limited
• Please ensure you only book if you plan to attend, and please cancel your booking in advance if your availability changes
• Suitable Age 12+. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible, ticket-holding adult
• Assistance dogs are welcome
• Please note that your building tour ticket won't allow access to ticketed exhibitions
• Pay-What-You-Can supports visitors who might find the standard ticket price a barrier.
• Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Visit our Terms & Conditions page for further information.