Exploring Innovation & Inclusion: Highlights from the London Festival of Architecture 2024
The London Festival of Architecture is always a highlight in the architectural community’s June calendar. With its mission to foster discussions around architecture, test new ideas, and uncover and promote new talent, the most recent month-long series of groundbreaking events celebrated 20 years of the Festival, providing an opportunity to reflect on the innovative spirit and inclusive vision of the architectural industry.
Our Part 1 Architectural Assistants, Aiba Malek, Deima Ambrazaityte and Miriyan Chhantyal, from the Article 25 team delve into their top three highlights from the 2024 festival - a tricky task with so many amazing activities on offer. They explore how these events inspired them and broadened their understanding of sustainable and inclusive design practices.
Armadillo structure from the “Unknown Works Open Studio" event.
1. Rising From the Water by Material Cultures x Create London
Participating in the "Rising From the Water" workshop was an enlightening experience that resonated deeply with our commitment to sustainable architecture. This seven-day workshop, held at the House of Artists in Barking, was led by Material Cultures and renowned architect Yasmeen Lari. The hands-on workshop culminated in the construction of a pavilion using natural materials such as reed and timber. This installation serves as a catalyst for discussions on climate change, flood risks in East London, sustainability, and our industrial heritage.
The workshop was an incredible journey of learning and reflection. We explored traditional techniques of basket weaving, thatching and woodworking, emphasising the importance of integrating hands-on skills in architectural projects. Create London organised an event to celebrate the finished pavilion, including insightful talks and discussions between Material Cultures, student participants, Yasmeen Lari, and the public. The experience underscored the value of collaborative creation and the role of architecture in addressing pressing environmental issues.
Photos from the “Rising from the Water” workshop.
2. Studio Lates x Howells: Growing Pains - Is London Truly Designed for Children?
"Growing Pains" was a thought-provoking event that challenged us to reconsider urban design from the perspective of children and young people. Hosted by Howells, this interactive evening included guided workshops, inspirational videos featuring school children's views on cities, and fascinating discussions on reimagining urban spaces.
This event highlighted the importance of inclusivity, accessibility and safety in urban design. We were inspired by the children's fresh perspectives and their imaginative suggestions for making cities more vibrant and welcoming. Their ideas, such as adding more colours to roads and buildings, sparked our inner child and creativity – reminding us of the endless possibilities in designing child-friendly urban environments. The event reinforced the need for architects, planners and developers to prioritise the needs and experiences of younger populations in their work.
Photos from the “Growing Pains” event.
3. Studio Lates x Unknown Works: unknown works Open Studio
The "Unknown Works Open Studio" event was a fascinating exploration of innovative architectural projects and concepts. Unknown Works opened their doors to showcase their current and recent projects, including the captivating Armadillo stage and the intriguing London Stones. These projects exemplify the diverse architectural styles in London and the city's potential for future innovation.
The studio tour allowed us to delve into the creative minds behind Unknown Works and envision urban spaces centred around innovation, person, place, and simplicity. Their work uses structure as an art form and pushes the boundaries of materials. For example, they used Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) to create curves that embrace and reverberate sounds, and they constructed an emergency hub entirely of stone, which pays homage to the classic city buildings while using contemporary architectural elements – also allowing for environmental research gathering. This event highlighted the playful and artistic potential of architecture, and the exciting possibilities for future urban development in London.
Photos from the “Unknown Works Open Studio” event.
Summary
The London Festival of Architecture provides a platform for exploring the future of urban design through innovative and inclusive events. "Rising From the Water" emphasised sustainability and hands-on learning, "Growing Pains" inspired us to consider the needs of children in urban planning, and "Unknown Works Open Studio" showcased the limitless possibilities of architectural innovation. These events not only enriched our knowledge, but also fuelled our passion for creating impactful, future-oriented architecture.
