Name:

Architecture Appreciation

Description:

If you love buildings, this could be the group for you! Although a few members have a background in architecture or related professions, most do not – they simply have a passion for architecture. The sessions involve illustrated talks (often researched and presented by group members, occasionally given by visiting speakers), discussions and light-hearted quizzes. All members are involved in deciding the programme and contributing to its success.

Topics in 2025-26 included talks on: the architects: Frank Lloyd Wright, David Chipperfield, Lockwood & Mawson, Charles Jencks and Frank Matcham; the architecture in: Girona, Manchester and North Carolina; the architecture of: airports, Calverley Old Hall, Samuel Lister’s residences, Otley Common, the Fountaine Hospital in Linton and Selsley Church, as well as Art Deco architecture in general; and we caught up with the Ilkley Design Awards, the Stirling Prize contenders and winner, and Yorkshire Architecture of today. We had four guest speakers from outside the group and the rest of the presentations (some 40-50 mins, others only 5-10 mins) were given by enthusiastic group members.

Spring/summer 2026 visits included looking at architecture on the "backsides" of buildings in Leeds, visiting the Theatre Royal, Wakefield (designed by Frank Matcham) and the CITU sustainable living housing project on Leeds’s south bank.

Organisers:

Marilyn Heron and Rosie Fivian (Leaders) and Richard Archer (Treasurer)

Venue:

Jack Lofthouse Annexe, Clarke Foley Centre, Cunliffe Road, Ilkley, LS29 9DZ

Times:

Twelve 2-hour classroom sessions, 2.30pm – 4.30pm, in the Jack Lofthouse Annexe of the Clarke-Foley Centre, starting on Monday 5th October 2026 and on the following subsequent dates in 2026: 19th Oct; 2nd, 16th & 30th Nov; 14th Dec; 2027: 18th Jan; 1st & 15th Feb; 1st, 15th & 29th Mar.

Contact Information:

U3A members please contact Marilyn.

Non U3A Visitors please click here.