In 1982, architectural historian and cultural theorist Charles Jencks took to the stage at RIBA to deliver a polemical and playful lecture: "Postmodernism: the true inheritor of Modernism". The talk was part of a RIBA series titled The Great Debate, at a time when ‘style wars’ – especially the merits of Modernist versus Postmodernist architecture – divided the architectural intelligentsia.

Image: Charles Jencks in the 1980s (Monica Pidgeon / RIBA Collections)

The 1986 Royal Gold Medal for architecture was awarded to Japanese architect Arata Isozaki. His acceptance speech is now available online for the first time, in a newly-digitised audio recording from the RIBA Collections.

#RoyalGoldMedal #Architecture #Architect #RIBA #RIBACollections #RoyalInstituteofBritishArchitects

Image and audio: RIBA Collections

Acclaimed artist Bridget Riley discusses her work for Royal Liverpool Hospital and reveals how it was influenced by the art of ancient Egypt, in this 1984 talk digitised from the RIBA Collections.

Balkrishna Doshi gives a deeply philosophical reflection on the architecture and culture of India in a talk at the RIBA in 1991, now digitised from the RIBA Collections.

In 1995, fresh from the success of their famed Wrapped Reichstag, acclaimed artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude spoke at the RIBA, recalling the project's 24-year struggle into existence.

The recording of this talk, held in the RIBA Collections, is now available online for the first time.

Image: Christo and Jeanne-Claude in front of the Reichstag, Berlin, 1993.

Photo: Wolfgang Volz. 1993 Estate of Christo V. Javacheff

In a passionate and moving lecture at the RIBA, architect Sam Webb reflects on his work investigating and campaigning for better building safety following the Ronan Point disaster in 1968.

This talk contains material that some listeners may find distressing.

Elaine Denby reflects on her career at a talk at the RIBA in 1986 chaired by Lynne Walker.

Rosemary Stjernstedt reflects on her career at a talk at the RIBA in 1986 chaired by Lynne Walker.

Patricia Tindale reflects on her career at a talk at the RIBA in 1986 chaired by Lynne Walker.

Jane Drew reflects on her career at a talk at the RIBA in 1986 chaired by Lynne Walker.

Image: Jane Drew talking at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, London, on her 75th birthday. RIBA Collections

This talk include some language that evokes offensive racial stereotypes. We have taken the decision to include it for the sake of historical accuracy and awareness.