The building sits prominently in the city’s Centenary Square, recently the focus of a wider regeneration masterplan for Birmingham. The importance of the public realm has been a driving factor for the project, with Birmingham City Council wanting the area’s urban character to possess an internationally recognised cultural standing. Centenary Square will be the backdrop to the 2022 Commonwealth Games with The Exchange as the most recent addition to the site.
The Grade II-listed bank was designed by T. Cecil Howitt. Its clarity of plan and strength of character have made its transition into a 21st-century university building a particularly attractive proposition, something that Make Architects took to as they converted the former banking hall and back of house clerical rooms into spaces for the Vice Chancellor of the University, as well as staff, students and the people of Birmingham.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N66_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=150&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=a9376eb5548e2ce740183cb95126e6a4 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N66_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=300&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=583eb706cff9bb0a762de07380db2d4a 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N66_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=549&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=5e1c74d36e7ed4c3584dae042e5b31f5 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N66_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=732&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=8548730ff43c30c193078d6ae7582a73 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N66_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1000&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=e0c051ff999f5d0e64042fd7b24aef23 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N66_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1143&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=fbe7dc12ff7715d17bf5101b2ddef6ab 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N66_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1372&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=0e2918853324452a086bf3f60a789489 1920w)
Instrumental to the approach to spatial planning was an early assessment of the historic significance of each room conducted by Donald Insall Associates, developing a scheme which brought into public use the most grand spaces, with back of house functions located in already adapted areas.
The lofty 320m² banking hall now functions as a café and common room that’s open to the public. With beautiful natural light from the new coffered rooflights, the hybrid space is already widely in use for informal meetings or a quiet coffee. Importantly, The Exchange offers the University dedicated offices and a place to improve its connections to industry and culture. The project represents the University’s commitment to the advancement of the city by helping to facilitate partnerships across a range of different audiences and stakeholders.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N60_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=168&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=03cf70723e592ca880c78213bbc2aeca 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N60_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=336&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=e628ba0961b7297cc6f27d71f251fc96 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N60_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=614&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=6a16d36c348f254b44abad35dc6fa8e2 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N60_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=819&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=c0bc80141f2b9f18321592e33c6ab559 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N60_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1120&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=e1486a4947f4b81d78d4e04798a529e9 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N60_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=6ed633b30faac453d260a81139be6f23 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N60_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1536&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=5403e5754798849ddb45f12cc0f978cd 1920w)
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N54_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=140&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=43ea3b0ad1f26686e73b375442d3614c 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N54_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=291eb715aaec55fdbca8a9fa3ca07230 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N54_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=512&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=a4239632d2a3fc50332687976e1c093c 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N54_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=682&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=30fefaf2f642ba5c1b4c011bc2247d37 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N54_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=933&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=2d74e2aa24ed08d935671dc48a343c3a 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N54_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1066&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=63daee3bd426e9ae5562dc885ff7a190 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N54_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=242a50d41c6aeb33160aa0c00721c1d7 1920w)
Greg Willis, project lead from Make, summarises the studio’s approach: “Our design animates one of Birmingham’s primary public squares and provides a civic laboratory that fosters ideas, informs research and inspires action to benefit the community. We are heartened that the building has a genuine public use and that it enables the University of Birmingham to be firmly rooted in the city.”
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N37_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=148&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=2c8b435bdf35a366e35d28e8aa3123a1 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N37_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=297&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=4374ebb7b26a801bf88275949216b3ee 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N37_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=543&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=a15a1ff0c183006e20f852085eb8b443 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N37_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=724&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=e2fb4ca13204f8687654f38041e01afa 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N37_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=990&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=3a10ccf25d2c112e17817cc60ee538ff 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N37_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1131&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=4caaa02b3fefb0648b391f969c7d9ea0 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N37_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1358&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=e118970f8d937cbef7885dfe74c9d2cc 1920w)
The powder-coated, bronze-coloured metal portico spanning three storeys at the back of The Exchange creates a new public facade for the building that is both of its time and in keeping with the scale and gravitas of the original architecture. It is an example of how thoughtful and distinct contemporary interventions work hand-in-hand with a deep appreciation for the history of the building and its strengths in terms of its circulation and key historic features.
The southern elevation of the existing building was never meant to be seen and, therefore, was composed of simple brick with small utilitarian strip windows providing little light into the back of house staff areas. As this is now a new entrance, opening onto the new Bank Court public square, there was an opportunity to complete the composition with a new Portland stone facade.
In contrast, the original northern elevation is intentionally imposing, with limited windows, to convey a sense of security and trust, within which to place one’s valuables. Therefore, the detailing of the new stone elevation is similarly clean, although with a modern aesthetic. The new portico southern entrance, a modern twist on the northern historic facade, is also designed on a classical grid, although large modern glazed panels and super slender columns have been added to offer a more welcoming vestibule and increase views out.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N61_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=140&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=4a4afdb6a8ec52d6a82d9b5af0a9a9a2 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N61_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=7145c8c59037d145ba0bf17b7bf05ec6 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N61_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=512&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=2e117a5144734b349f6343aab94bbb65 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N61_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=682&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=215afc202a8c8c9f7d1d6b7655375bac 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N61_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=933&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=8d425fd334f9abbb306a0c288ef52fb2 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N61_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1066&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=62936645aa9e22e7501d22bb4875b018 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N61_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=e616e3a7bd91def9babb4c63e3aeb3df 1920w)
The original vaults containing the security deposit boxes lie directly below the central banking hall. This is a wonderful historic space which originally would have only been the preserve of those lucky enough to require the services of such security. It was the intention from the outset to make this into a public gallery, to show off the best of what the University has and does. However, the room was never designed to accommodate more than a handful of people; therefore, a sophisticated ventilation strategy had to be conceived, designed and incorporated into the delicate metal detailing, which forms part of the historic illuminated ‘clerestory’ panel running around the perimeter bulkhead. The space can now be enjoyed by many more people than was originally intended.
Around the perimeter of the central Banking Hall lies a series of beautiful colonnaded corridors behind stone arches. Originally, this was separated with a series of secure bronze gates and many of the original bronze friezes have survived. Rather than fill in these arched entrances with new gates and doors either side of the Banking Hall, the intention was to allow free movement into and out of the conference and meeting rooms flanking the central space. This involved working through a fire strategy which utilised the four corner stairs and lobbies, while retaining and refurbishing as much of the original bronze detailing as possible.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N62_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=315&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=5047e962efb6a2458fcaff0136432cc2 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N62_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=630&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=1449e24aa4a88fd583c98561ceb56858 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N62_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1152&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=6843eb310e547f28485da04ea83b51e1 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N62_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1537&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=8972ea0cf3866eb1d196f97f1f1160a6 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N62_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2101&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=f51d6ddb8dab94175a6c622214544d53 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N62_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2401&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=2d90204416796239be2f1ca92914cc94 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N62_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2881&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=d34ea674ed0b25ce18dfaeffa9e01b7f 1920w)
Matthew Vaughan from Donald Insall said: “As a resident of Birmingham it was a delight to work with such an iconic building, and fascinating to study the rich decoration which is so rarely a possibility in contemporary public buildings. It was a pleasure working with Make on the scheme, whose concept for a contemporary extension to the rear successfully reconciled the changing urban conditions around the building, and sensitively integrated new design into the historic building with great sympathy.
“The Exchange is an exemplar of reusing historic building stock – something that both Make Architects and Donald Insall Associates have explored jointly on projects over the years. The design team worked with great care to conserve the rich materials and detailing of the historic fabric, with a condition survey by Donald Insall as the basis for repairs, while introducing highly efficient M&E, and fabric improvements. As the benefits of adaptive reuse are better understood in terms of carbon reduction, it is all the more encouraging to have this project as a key player during the Commonwealth Games this summer.”
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N63_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=140&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=e32179586d698e6861f0f8824d65f73a 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N63_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=2be6515e72245fe685eae96397b811ad 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N63_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=512&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=1cf304df3a4f182c91e72b884630e7b2 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N63_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=682&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=a0549370e385387e74eb8a64fafcf61a 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N63_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=933&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=15c79d801ad5de8f9473cbd28af82d3d 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N63_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1066&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=bdf997a233c12d48ace2eabeaa2b3ad5 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N63_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=6f7c65b600e6ad90da53d9fc4e9a3899 1920w)
Make’s redesign of The Exchange is part of a broader sweep of local regeneration involving significant changes to Centenary Square. These include a new metro tram link to New Street and Snow Hill stations. The site is adjacent to Arena Central, home to several recent Make designs. The Exchange also features a south-facing extension opening onto the newly landscaped Bank Court. The building is set among a host of prominent neighbours including the Stirling Prize-nominated Library of Birmingham and the landmark Hall of Memory.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N44_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=148&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=2f10b0726a7ecfadb08ab00b5f05863f 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N44_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=297&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=d6815d2620652aba808f4a5aac3d0b20 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N44_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=543&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=f69bec8c9c7219dd59222d17d03d0573 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N44_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=724&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=50b411d9080fbb5070b796b57ad99260 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N44_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=990&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=70c94b09e436002570a5f446bdf85a76 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N44_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1131&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=4bd7188c22676df7039aeb1ccd29aeb5 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2F01378_00_N44_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1358&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=41e95769b56edfc5346532e5d72096f0 1920w)