The Lives of Buildings in the Story of London festival June 26–28 2009

In partnership with English Heritage and the Mayor of London's Story of London festival June 2009

Download the full programme here. The most up to date information is on the pdf programme and not on the the online search. The online search with map facility can be found here but please note some data is not up to date.Advance booking online is now closed. The programme lists availability for all individual events. Please check for events that are not marked as 'FULLY BOOKED' there are still places available so you might be able to join on the day!

Full details of the free architecture talks series are found separately, here

Celebrating the renewal of London through its architecture

Join Open House in a celebration of some of London’s most fascinating and inspiring architecture over the last weekend of June - one of the highlight weekends in, and created in partnership with, the Mayor of London's Story of London festival happening throughout June 2009. The capital has a wealth of amazing historic architecture nestled side by side to some of its most exciting contemporary buildings. But what happens when these two worlds engage? Through a varied programme of 50 events designed to provoke and inspire, ‘The Lives of Buildings’, in association with English Heritage, will show the links between historic and contemporary.

St Paul's Bow, copyright Paul Tolenaar

Here are some of the highlights!

Hear direct from the architects

At the Whitechapel Gallery studio space, hear direct from some of London’s leading architects who will demonstrate the wealth of creative and innovative approaches to reuse, refurbishment, adaptation and intervention. Both established and upcoming practices including Glowacka Rennie, hût architecture ltd and Jamie Fobert Architects will be taking part.

Many other talks and tours by leading architects are taking place at other locations throughout the weekend. Check out the programme for full details.

Battle of the Buildings: the Great London Architecture Debate
at the Royal Institution of Great Britain, 21 Albemarle Street W1

Imagine a terrifying scenario: a giant alien spacecraft 50 km wide – as wide as London itself – is hovering over the capital and planning to destroy the city’s architecture piece by piece – all except one which they will leave alone. With the capital facing impending doom and total destruction, a decision must be made about which of our most inspiring buildings must be saved to represent the best for the future. Our speakers from the world of art and architecture go head to head in the ‘Battle of the Buildings’ balloon debate on Friday 26 June at the Royal Institution of Great Britain – you get to choose the winner!

Tickets £8 each available in advance from openhouse.org.uk/shop until 2pm Fri 26th June. Otherwise buy tickets at the door on the night. Places are strictly limited!

PLEASE NOTE: Many events are free but there is a charge for some events.

PAGE LAST UPDATED: 26.06.09

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