An exciting new exhibition at the Building Centre explores how glass has shaped modern architecture and continues to drive innovation in design, performance and sustainability.
From the floor-to-ceiling windows of the late 20th century office to today’s double-skinned facades, the exhibition traces the evolution of glass through iconic London buildings and asks how the material can be used responsibly today. How can we balance openness with privacy, performance with aesthetics and innovation with sustainability? Retrofit is a central theme, with a look at how existing buildings can be upgraded for energy efficiency without compromising their aesthetic integrity.
Make’s exhibit
This is a conversation Make has been part of for years, so we’re delighted to be supporting the exhibition. Our founder, Ken Shuttleworth, has long campaigned for the ‘death of the glass box’, questioning whether fully glazed towers can be justified.
Make is exhibiting a model of Vista, our project for Mitsubishi Estate, currently on site, along with samples of its innovative double-skin facade, designed to reduce overheating from solar gain. The all-electric building – which also features solar panels and natural ventilation – is designed to achieve BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and targets net zero carbon in use, with all materials chosen to minimise embodied carbon. It’s a working example of the responsible approach to glass the exhibition champions.
Details
The Architecture of Transparency runs throughout July 2026 in the Main Gallery. Open Monday to Friday, 9am–6pm at:
The Building Centre,
26 Store Street,
London WC1E 7BT
Entry is free!
