The world’s largest architectural showcase, Open House London, takes place next month, on 21st and 22nd September. Over 800 buildings are involved, with every London borough participating to some degree.
The weekend event offers up a programme of neighbourhood walks and architect-led tours – all free to attend – alongside the actual open properties.
Organisers have given this year’s festival a theme of “social”, with a view to exploring “what it means to live together in cities today.”
Highlights include:
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Inspiring homes – Gin Distillery by Open Practice Architecture, Nimtim Architect’s Block House, Ash House by R2 Studio Architects, Archer + Braun’s Béton Brit.
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A ballot for 10 Downing Street, BT Tower, View from the Shard, Bloomberg European Headquarters, New Scotland Yard and US Embassy goes live on 20th August.
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Major new buildings including Millennium Mills in Royal Docks.
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The New Museum of London in the derelict General Market.
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Award-winning buildings participating include Coal Drops Yard, 2018 Stirling Prize winner Bloomberg European Headquarters, and RIBA London Award winners Camden Mews (aka Max Fordham House) and South London Gallery.
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Tokyo Bike cycle tour exploring London’s urbanism.
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By Beck Road 19: A Bethnal Green terrace serving as an open-door art gallery throughout the weekend.
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Social Communities: the return of a programme events for OPDC exploring Old Oak and Park Royal, successful Crowdfund London projects and the infamous Savile Row.
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Social City: uncover London with Londonewcastle, Art Fund, AirBnB and Foster + Partners – which is opening six of their projects this year.
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The Open House ‘Elements’ photography competition returns to see visitors explore London further during their Open House weekend through Instagram. This year’s prizes are sponsored by Curiocity – A-Z book on every dimension of London life.
https://www.openhouselondon.org.uk/