Open House London: 22 & 23 September 2012

[Michael Browne]

Open House London 2012 – over 750 buildings and events confirm participation in 20th anniversary edition of London’s greatest architectural showcase

 

A highly anticipated fixture in the capital’s cultural calendar, Open House London is a truly city-wide celebration of the buildings, places and spaces where we live and work.

 

2012 means 20 years of Open House London and of the Open-City organisation as a whole. In

recognition of this significant milestone, Open-City is presenting a festival which will be unprecedented in breadth, scale and reach over 22 & 23 September.

 

It will be a unique opportunity to see, explore and learn about London’s amazing architecture and design over 48 hours.

 

More than 750 buildings of all kinds will open their doors, alongside a programme of neighbourhood walks, engineering and landscape tours, night-time openings, urban jogs and experts’ talks – all for free.

This year’s theme ‘The Changing Face of London’ explores issues that are relevant to local

communities and how the built environment is evolving – including the design of homes, the impact of climate change, the role of architects and contemporary design in revitalising places and above all showing how good design can make London a more liveable, vibrant and enjoyable city.

 

Highlights to include:

• Iconic landmarks and towers including 30 St Mary Axe (aka the Gherkin), Heron Tower and

Tower 42

 

• London’s infrastructure revealed with the Institution of Civil Engineers - including rides on the new Emirates Airline cable car, boat tours to the Thames Barrier and the Hoo Peninsula,

engineering walks and site visits to major construction and engineering sites

 

• East London Transformation – discover all about the transformation of East London and the Lea Valley with expert-led events showcasing the regeneration of areas surrounding the Olympic Park.

 

• Nearly 50 projects with Landscape at their heart with the Landscape Institute – including the

newly landscaped Granary/King’s Cross and Leicester Square, and the vast green roofs and insect hotel at 20 Triton Street

 

• Several open Embassies with the British Council’s International Architecture and Design Showcase

 

• Showcase of 100 private homes, Architects' homes and groundbreaking housing

developments – from contemporary award-winners to vintage 50s and 60s designs

 

• Eco, zero carbon and retrofit buildings, with the chance to talk to experts, see measures in

action and discover how you can implement changes in your own home

 

• Win a weekend stay at the 5* Hempel Hotel, London’s premier boutique hotel

 

• Speak with planners, architects and engineers on how they create successful buildings and

cities

 

• Maggie’s and Open House London Night Hike on Friday 21st September – a moonlit walk

through London with the opportunity to see Open House architecture and raise money for Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres

 

• Special events and openings on Saturday night including evening film screenings at the

Haggerston ‘I was here’ event and Midnight Apothecary: Liquid Engineering, cocktails with a

difference at the Brunel Museum

 

• Activities for kids and families, from architectural model-making to quiz trails

 

http://www.londonopenhouse.org/index.html