What's next for our existing buildings? Caruso St John on creative reuse

We could create over half a million new homes in England by repairing our historic buildings, according to Historic England. As the climate emergency intensifies, rethinking how we use buildings we already have has never mattered more. This talk showcases how architects adapt existing buildings, honouring their histories while giving them a new future.

For the second talk in our 2026 VitrA programme, we welcome the multi award‑winning architects Caruso St John, represented by London studio Director Ben Speltz, to share the practice's leading approach to adaptive reuse.

Founded in the 1990s, Caruso St John has earned an international reputation for their inventive work with older buildings of all kinds. Now, reworking existing buildings is a core practice commitment as an environmental and creative strategy. From sensitive interventions in well-known heritage sites, to transformations of post-war buildings and more overlooked industrial sites, Caruso St John’s work shows a path forward for environmentally responsible architecture that layers memory, meaning, and identity.

In this keynote, Ben will share Caruso St John's award-winning transformations of remarkable historic sites, including 20th century corporate landmarks such as the Royal Belge in Belgium. You'll discover industrial sites including Düngerbau, a 19th century chemical factory in Switzerland, and Veemgebouw in the Netherlands – both reimagined for contemporary mixed use and community life. They'll also share their remarkable transformations of creative and cultural spaces including Hospitalfields arts complex in Scotland.

This event for anyone interested in architecture, built environment heritage, and sustainability. It forms part of our public programmes, bringing conversations about architecture and the built environment to all.

Will Palin, Barts Heritage CEO, will open the event with a short introduction to Barts North Wing and the restoration project. This will be followed by Ben's keynote lecture, and a chaired discussion exploring some of the themes and projects presented. You'll then have the chance to ask questions during an audience Q&A session. After this, stay for a drinks reception and further conversation.

Hospitalfield Arts, Arbroath, Scotland. Photo credit: Ioana Marinescu

2026 marks the eighth year of our partnership with VitrA Bathrooms, curating talks that celebrate emerging and established voices at the forefront of international architecture.

This year’s theme, Excellence in Design, explores some of the values and evolving priorities shaping architecture today as we celebrate 60 years of the RIBA Awards and 30 years of the Stirling Prize.

Our Conservation Award, new at a national level for 2026, highlights the growing importance of safeguarding and revitalising our built heritage. Alongside the RIBA Reinvention Award, now in its third year and continuing to recognise bolder transformations of existing buildings, both awards reflect an increasing value in working with what exists and the different ways architects do this.

The event takes place in the newly restored Great Hall at Barts North Wing, part of St Bartholomew’s Hospital in the City of London. Founded in 1123, Barts is the oldest working hospital in Britain, providing continuous care on its original site in West Smithfield for over 900 years. Barts North Wing dates from 1732 and features the Great Hall and Hogarth Stair with its two large paintings by William Hogarth. The newly restored building is cared for and run by Barts Heritage and is open to the public, offering a year-round programme of cultural events and activities to support health and wellbeing.

More information about Barts North Wing can be found at https://bartsnorthwing.org.uk

• doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start
• the event will take place in the Great Hall at Barts North Wing
• there is step-free access available via the main Barts North Wing entrance
• the nearest tube stations are Farringdon, Barbican, and St Paul’s
• Blue Badge parking bays can be found directly outside the Henry VIII Gatehouse on West Smithfield, and nearby on Hosier Lane and Giltspur Street
• you can enter the hospital site via the Henry VIII Gatehouse on West Smithfield, or via entrances on Giltspur Street and King Edward Street
• a bar will be available, offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options. Please note, RIBA operates a Challenge 25 policy

• British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation is available on request. For BSL priority seating, please select the 'BSL Seating' add-on at the checkout and we will arrange for an interpreter to be present. Please note, this option closes 3 weeks before the event due to BSL Interpreter availability.
• we offer concession tickets for students, those on lower incomes, those with disabilities, and those over 65. Please choose the 'Concession' ticket at the checkout
• we aim to make our events open and accessible to all. If cost is a barrier, we offer an additional discounted option via a discount code. Please contact [email protected] in confidence for the code
• if you would like to discuss your attendance and inclusion and/or access needs to attend the event comfortably, please contact [email protected]

• cancellations must be made in writing to [email protected]
• a photographer and videographer may cover this event and the images may be used to publicise future RIBA events. By accepting an invitation or purchasing a ticket you consent to being photographed, filmed or recorded as a visitor attending the event
• if RIBA has to postpone or cancel the event the booker is entitled to a full refund of the ticket price only
• on entry to the event you agree to accept and abide by any venue rules
• the RIBA reserves the right to refuse admission to any ticket holder
• the details you provide will be used in line with RIBA's GDPR obligations. For information on how we will handle your personal data please see our Privacy Policy.

Lead image: Royal Belge, Belgium. Photo credit: Stijn Bollaert

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Barts North Wing, West Smithfield, London, United Kingdom

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