Design Matters

Open House London enables everyone to see and understand what makes excellent architecture and design. We think that the best way to do this is to experience architecture up close, and join the debate about the current design issues facing the capital.

Here are some of the issues on our agenda this year:

Future Londongreenwich peninsula open house

The changing face of London is showcased on a new web resource created by Open House: Future London. From masterplans to construction sites this resource – regularly updated to help you keep abreast of new developments – will highlight facets of the capital's future potential. It will highlight major regeneration schemes, with a focus on east London where some of the most significant transformation for decades is now taking place.

barking riverside


public art open housePlacemaking and art in the public realm

Artists are often involved in London’s changing cityscape, working with architects and others to help make more meaningful places. This year Open House London includes interesting temporary and permanent artists’ contributions to public spaces and buildings through special walks and tours alongside recent examples of artist and architect collaborations. This includes a talk on colour and collaboration by artist Antoni Malinowski and architect Steve Tompkins; a curators’ tour of the Portavillion commissions in two of London’s parks; and buildings such as the Home Office HQ and Sunshine House.

Housing

It's estimated that the population of London will increase to more than 8 million by 2016. The need for well-designed housing is one of the most important issues facing the capital today. Open House London includes many housing exemplars, both historic and contemporary, that help to indicate the way forward.

NEW for 2008 is a special talk by Peter Barber on his competition-winning design Donnybrook Quarter, also featured in the programme. This scheme was completed in 2006 to critical acclaim, and has been described as a model for high-density, low-rise urban housing. At the talk he will discuss the genesis of his practice's radical housing schemes and how architecture can help shape cities that are economically and socially sustainable.

For more details and information on how to book go to the Spotlight page.

Exemplars

Look out for the school and office exemplars featured in the buildings listings, as well as Civic Trust and RIBA Award Winners.

 

...