London Festival of Architecture, 1 – 30 June

The London Festival of Architecture (LFA) takes place throughout June, presenting a city-wide celebration of the capital’s extraordinary buildings and landmarks. 2014 is the 10th year of the festival, and its role has consistently developed to include transforming public perception of architecture from a niche interest to a recognition of it as a vital element of the UK’s cultural, economic, social and financial framework.

Using the theme CAPITAL, the festival invites the public to explore different facets of London: its culture, people, economy and its built environment, providing the opportunity for engaging and thought-provoking debate. Issues covered in-depth will include the housing crisis, and the rapid increase in the development of tall buildings, with events and activities designed to put these subjects firmly on the political agenda.

The LFA is delivered through a programme of events organised by London’s leading cultural and academic institutions, including the Royal Academy of Arts, Design Museum, V&A, Royal College of Art, Serpentine Galleries and National Trust, as well as associated projects by architects, artists, designers and curators.

One of the headline events in the first week of June is Does London Need More Tall Towers? This debates the fact that the Capital’s profile is set to change dramatically, with over 230 new towers due to be built over the next decade. Questioning whether this high-rise vision of London’s future is the right one for our city and its people, this hotly anticipated debate will kick off the festival.

Subsequent events include the Open Studios Shoreditch Trail. RIBA London are coordinating a trail of open studios through Shoreditch, Clerkenwell and nearby areas, with a programme of activities and events that offer behind the scenes access to over 20 practices; model-making demonstrations, exhibitions, talks, films and home-brewed craft beer. Participating practices include Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, Coffey Architects, Hawkins/Brown, Hut Architecture, Milk Architecture, Say Architects and vPPR.

London Festival of Architecture, various locations around London, 1 – 30 June 2014. For a full programme of events visit www.londonfestivalofarchitecture.org.

Credits
1. Architectural Association, Rainforest © Gun Architects.

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Posted on 1 June 2014

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