RIBA Building Empathy: Design for Our Time

Now in its seventh year, the partnership between global bathroom brand VitrA and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) continues this autumn with a panel discussion at RIBA North in Liverpool on 24 September, followed by a keynote lecture by internationally and critically acclaimed architect Dorte Mandrup in London on 2 December.

This year’s theme, Building Empathy, explores the power of design to create positive change in communities and highlights the role of architects in shaping environments that are accessible, meaningful and responsive to the people who use them.

In ‘Collecting Narratives for the Future’ on 24 September at RIBA North, four leading voices in cultural and civic architecture – Neil Michels, Associate Architect at Carmody Groarke; Eimear Hanratty, Associate Director, O’Donnell & Tuomey; Kossy Nnachetta, Partner at Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, and Naila Yousuf, Partner at Wright & Wright – will reflect on the role buildings can serve in holding the narratives of the communities they serve.

On 2 December, renowned Danish architect Dorte Mandrup will explore her layered and context-driven approach in a keynote talk at BMA House. She will reflect on projects including the Ilulissat Icefjord Center, raising awareness of the Arctic’s fragile climate; The Wadden Sea Centre, blending seamlessly into its landscape with locally sourced materials; and The Whale, a striking example of architecture in deep dialogue with nature.

“We’re thrilled to announce two further talks as part of this year’s RIBA + VitrA programme,” says Ruth Davies, Marketing Director, VitrA UK. “At VitrA we’re committed to supporting dialogue and education, and we’re proud to continue our involvement in Building Empathy: Design for Our Time’s inspiring and purposeful conversations. "

Kate Dooley, Exhibitions and Programmes Curator at RIBA says: "We’re delighted to present two new events in our dynamic 2025 programme — now in our seventh year of collaboration with VitrA. Building Empathy: Design for Our Time explores how architects are creating spaces that are not only accessible and responsive, but also deeply rooted in the needs of people and place. At a time of social and environmental uncertainty, we must spotlight those driving architecture forward with empathy and purpose."

Building Empathy: Collecting Narratives for the future, 24 September 2025, 7pm – 8.30pm, RIBA North, 21, Mann Island, Liverpool, L3 1BP