Copyright: London Festival of Architecture
The London Festival of Architecture features over 200 events taking place across the capital. And this year’s event is themed around communities, with topics ranging from guerilla gardening to creative workspaces. Here are our selected picks for you.
Copyright: London Festival of Architecture
The Royal Institute of British Architects, RIBA ran a competition asking architects to look at how architecture can help build communities. The 16 long listed entrants go on show at Peckham Levels, a car park south of the city, that is being transformed into a hub for artists. The three winners will build one-to-one installations at the RIBA headquarters at 66 Portland Place.
Copyright: London Festival of Architecture
The British capital has established itself as one of the pioneers of the co-living and co-working trends, which focuses around the concept of communal spaces and shared resources. The implications of these trends for designers is the subject of a talk which will feature a panel of architects and industry experts, and will examine how residences and offices can be adapted to suit new community-focused approaches to working and living.
Copyright: London Festival of Architecture
French artist Olivier Grossetete, whose previous works include a rope bridge held up by balloons, will be using hundreds of cardboard boxes to construct a series of full-size buildings in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. This time visitors are invited to help erect these make-shift structures, demonstrating what is possible through collective pursuit.
Copyright: London Festival of Architecture
London will be transformed into a community garden promoting the benefits of urban farming. Led by landscape collective The Edible Bus Stop, this project will showcase a prototype for a modular growing system that could lead to more businesses around the city growing their own fruit and vegetables. The collective is also working with local residents and school children in southwest London to transform a market street into a community hub, with new seating areas integrated into white picket fences, and planters filled with edible flowers and herbs.
Copyright: London Festival of Architecture
And for our last pick… Australian comedian Tim Ross and musician Kit Warhurst will be performing inside a series of architectural icons around London with the idea of highlighting the importance of engaging with architectural heritage. Participating venues include Ernö Goldfinger’s Modernist house at 2 Willow Road, the BT Tower, Studio Octopi’s White Lodge and the Australian High Commission at Strand, central London.
The London Festival of Architecture runs during the whole month of June, and if you are planning to come, book your stay at one of our favorites, The Caesar 4*. A boutique hotel next to Hyde Park and a little further away, Oxford, Regent and Bond Street shopping areas.
