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For more media information contact Sam Gibson on 07825 554009 or Jeni Hoskin on 07931 501 033

Open House London - 20-21 September 2008: Architecture up close

Open House London, the Capital's largest architectural showcase will take place on 20-21 September. This year’s event will once again reveal the fabric of London in all its diversity: opening eyes and minds to the architectural gems, contemporary design and areas of urban change that define the city today.

In celebration of design excellence, 700 buildings will open to the public, giving Londoners the opportunity to experience architecture up close and be part of a Capital-wide idea for one weekend in the year.The creative teams that design, construct, conserve and regenerate the capital will also be on hand to share their expertise, insight and ideas, and explore the biggest issues facing the modern city.

Victoria Thornton, Founding Director of Open House, comments: 
Open House London highlights the value of good design and aims to open eyes and minds to the City’s wealth of architecture. Experiencing a building in the flesh can help to understand, appreciate and critique it. Open House London hopes to inspire everyone to explore the Capital and take an interest in good design for existing and future generations.”

This year’s event offers more than ever before, from private residences to government offices, embassies, academies, financial institutions and skyline icons.

Several highlight events, themes and issues:

Greening the city – Is good design green design? Eco buildings will be showcased throughout London. The Sustainable Southwark publication will present the borough’s best green buildings. Display Energy Certificates will be highlighted in public buildings.
Homes and housing – How do we design for living in the capital? Housing exemplars will feature and there will be a special talk on Donnybrook Quarter by architect Peter Barber at Whitechapel Gallery
Art in the public realm – How can art transform London’s spaces? Several public art sites will be showcased and artist Anthony Malinowski will talk with architect Steve Tompkins at the new Coin Street neighbourhood Centre
Future London – What is the future shape of the capital? London’s newest regeneration sites are presented including and the London 2012 Olympic Site, Greenwich Peninsula and Barking Riverside.

Other special events include architecture-by-night for hikers on the Open House and Maggie’s London Night Hike on Friday 19th September, and a talk hosed by fashion designer Margaret Howell on the Royal Festival Hall refurbishment one year on.

All access is free of charge.
More information can be found at www.openhouse.org.uk
The full programme is available now, orders can be placed through the website for £4.50.

Ends   

For more media information, contact Sam Gibson on 07825 554009 sam@brightsparkpr.co.uk

Project supporters include 31 London local authorities, CABE, BBC London, English Partnerships, Barking Riverside, Department for Communities and Local Government, Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres, Margaret Howell,
The Royal Institution of Great Britain, Southwark Council, UK Green Building Council, VIEW Pictures, P3 University of Westminster, Stabilo, 4D Modelshop, Trinity Buoy Wharf Trust, Greater London Authority, Somerset House,
Royal Geographical Society, Horse Guards, VocalEyes, Whitechapel Gallery, Artsline, Civic Trust Awards

 

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