
The Regent Street Polytechnic traces its origins back the Young Men's Christian Institute (YMCI) set up by Quintin Hogg in 1882, taking over the premises, at 309 Regent Street, London, of the former Royal Polytechnic Institution. The YMCI become known as the Regent Street Polytechnic until 1972, when its name changed to the 'Polytechnic of Central London'. Following further mergers, the institution was granted the status of university and in 1992 was re-named the University of Westminster. Architecture was first taught at the Regent Street Polytechnic in the late 19thC, with evening classes starting in1891, shortly followed by day classes in 1894.

