Open House London, the Capital's largest architectural showcase will take place on 20-21 September. This year’s event will once again reveal the fabric of London in all its diversity: opening eyes and minds to the architectural gems, contemporary design and areas of urban change that define the city today.

In celebration of design excellence, 700 buildings will open to the public, giving Londoners the opportunity to experience architecture up close and be part of a Capital-wide idea for one weekend in the year.The creative teams that design, construct, conserve and regenerate the capital will also be on hand to share their expertise, insight and ideas, and explore the biggest issues facing the modern city.

Victoria Thornton, Founding Director of Open House, comments:
Open House London highlights the value of good design and aims to open eyes and minds to the City’s wealth of architecture. Experiencing a building in the flesh can help to understand, appreciate and critique it. Open House London hopes to inspire everyone to explore the Capital and take an interest in good design for existing and future generations.”

This year’s event offers more than ever before, from private residences to government offices, embassies, academies, financial institutions and skyline icons. For the first time, Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium will be open to the public as will Maggie’s London Centre, the Willis Building and Centrepoint. As part of the ‘Open Site’ element of Open House London, the London 2012 Olympic Park and the Olympic Park Viewing Gallery will also open to the public – providing an opportunity for hundreds of Londoners to view the Olympic Park as it develops. The evening before the Open House London weekend event, Friday 19th September, Open House joins forces with Maggie’s Centres for the 20 mile London Night Hike through some of the Capital’s most remarkable places and spaces. This year, Battersea Power Station will open to the public for the first time as part of the Night Hike.

Several highlight events, themes and issues:

Kid’s Corner – a range of activities to get kids excited about architecture and interested in design. Visit www.openhouse.org.uk/kidscorner to find out more or visit pg 9 of the Architecture Up Close guide to this year’s event.
Greening the city – Is good design green design? Eco buildings will be showcased throughout London. The Sustainable Southwark publication will present the borough’s best green buildings. Display Energy Certificates will be highlighted in public buildings.
Homes and housing – How do we design for living in the capital? Housing exemplars will feature and there will be a special talk on Donnybrook Quarter by architect Peter Barber at Whitechapel Gallery
Art in the public realm – How can art transform London’s spaces? Several public art sites will be showcased and artist Anthony Malinowski will talk with architect Steve Tompkins at the new Coin Street neighbourhood Centre
Future London – What is the future shape of the capital? London’s newest regeneration sites are presented including Stratford City Athlete’s Village and the London 2012 Olympic Site, Greenwich Peninsula and Barking Riverside.

All access is free of charge.

Email: sam@brightsparkpr.co.uk