The London Festival of Architecture (LFA) celebrates London as the global hub for architecture. Started in 2004, it has since grown to become the world’s largest annual architecture festival.
This year we have partnered with the LFA to become one of four official hubs ensuring a lively and diverse programme of public events in our area.
Get a sneak peak of the new luxury 5-star Londoner Hotel, watch top architects face off in the Royal Academy of Arts LEGO Challenge or join Renato Benedetti as he talks through the five-year journey that will transform BAFTA’s national identity.
The vast majority of events are FREE, and are staged by a core festival programming team working alongside architecture and design practices and practitioners, leading cultural and academic institutions, artists and many others.
The event runs from 1 – 30 June 2019.
Have a look at our highlights below:
The Alfred Hitchcock London Locations Walk: 1 June
Multiple locations, Free Admission
Discover the iconic buildings and architecture that featured in some of Hitchcock’s most famous films.
The rich history of the Trocadero featuring Crystal Maze LIVE Experience: 3 June 2019
The Crystal Maze, Free Admission
The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience welcomes architectural enthusiasts to an evening lecture on the rich history of the Trocadero, followed by a tour The Maze’ four zones; Medieval, Industrial, Futuristic and Aztec before heading to the iconic Crystal Dome.
Breaking boundaries: architectures of inclusion: 3 June
Royal Academy of Arts, £15/£9
Join the Royal Academy of Arts for a panel discussion, and explore how the boundaries of race, gender and ability can be overcome in architecture.
‘Boundaries’ by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners: 11-30 June
Piccadilly, St James’s, Free Admission
In partnership with international architecture firm, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, Heart of London will play host to a thought-provoking installation down the famous street of Piccadilly, St James’s. The bold and unique display explores the boundaries of Greater London and encourages visitors to take the time to explore surrounding physical, political, social and economic boundaries that exist in our modern day lives. There will also be an associated exhibit held in the St James’s Piccadilly Church gardens, diving deeper into the stories behind each row of flags and the questions they pose.
Read more about the story of the flags and the inspiration behind the designs here.
Tour of Her Majesty’s Theatre with Post-Tour Cocktail: 14 June
Her Majesty’s Theatre, £16 SOLD OUT
Join Her Majesty’s Theatre for a rare tour of the French Renaissance design and enjoy a delicious cocktail in the sumptuous bar.
LFA Symposium: Thresholds or barriers? Perspectives on boundaries and architecture: 14 June
Royal Academy of Arts, £25 / £15
Attend two expert panels and a key note in conversation, delving into the role and application of boundaries in architecture.
Look Up! Hidden Gems in the West End: 15 & 22 June
Piccadilly, £5
This tour will reveal the fascinating stories hidden above our eye line, with award-winning historical blogger Katie Wignall..
Illuminating BAFTA: Benedetti Architects’ scheme to revitalise the Piccadilly home of the moving image arts: 20 June
BAFTA, Free Admission
Join Renato Benedetti as he talks through the five year journey that will transform BAFTA’s national identity.
Urban Jungle: Boundaries: 20 June
Smeg Flagship Store, £10
A comedy safari that will explore how we are shaped by architecture, landscape and urban design.
RA LEGO Architecture Challenge: 23 June
Royal Academy of Arts, Free Admission
Watch three of the UK’s leading architectural practices battle it out with LEGO to create the most innovative project that explores the boundaries between old and new.
Hard Hat Tours of the Londoner: 23 June
The Londoner, Leicester Square, Free Admission via a ballot system
Get a sneak peak of the new luxury 5-star Londoner Hotel, set to open in 2020.
Learning from Las Vegas in London: 24 June
Hippodrome Casino, Admission TBC
Join us for an evening of symbolism, ornament and excess. This event will feature talks, performances and films that explore the legacy of the ‘Learning from Las Vegas’ book, along with London’s aesthetics and architecture.
Sir Peter Hendy Guided Tour of the West End: 24 June
The tour starts in Victoria, concluding in Soho, Admission £75 – £150
Join Sir Peter Hendy on an expert tour of the West End, on his own restored Routemaster bus. Our Chief Executive, Ros Morgan, will also be one of the speakers on the tour. The evening will end with a drink reception in Soho.
Click here to view all of the activities during LFA.
Click here to visit the LFA website and find out more.
