Just as the Architectural Association (AA) School of Architecture is one of the world’s leading schools in its field, so is its exhibition space. Drop in on one of the exhibitions and you will be astounded at the quality of the works.

Some exhibits are highly hypothetical (sadly) and represent the closest you are likely to feel to the year 2546. Others are documented exercises undertaken by diploma level students; the excitement wanes ever so slightly, but there is a tangible pragmatism that goes into these projects that gives them a refreshing slant on the realities of the global problems faced by young architects.

This ancient London institution is well worth a visit regardless of whether academic or not, and it provides an easy introduction to a fascinating world that many of us live in blind ignorance of.