Dezeen Magazine

Open House London 2018 programme features Bloomberg HQ and US Embassy

Dezeen promotion: over 800 buildings will be open free to the public during this year's Open House London, including the Stirling Prize-nominated Bloomberg headquarters by Foster + Partners and the new US Embassy by Kieran Timberlake.

Now in its 27th edition, Open House London is the weekend-long festival that sees venues across the UK capital offer free guided tours to visitors.

The Stirling Prize-nominated Bloomberg headquarters by Foster + Partners features in the Open House 2018 programme

This year's programme, which is now available to view, aims to showcase the new London that has been emerging over the past few years. It highlights new buildings, fast-developing districts and pioneering approaches to regeneration.

Other new buildings featured include the recently completed Aga Khan Centre and the newly renovated Royal Opera House.

Spotlighted districts include Hackney's tech hub Here East, the Barking Riverside and Wembley Park.

The recently completed Aga Khan Centre by Fumihiko Maki will also open its doors for the event

"From Hackney Wick to Park Royal, Wembley to Nine Elms and the ever-changing Kings Cross, Open House is shining a light on the places shaping the capital with striking landmark buildings and new approaches to town planning," said Rory Olcayto, Open City's director.

"The cubic futurism of the American Embassy, the cool, sculptural qualities of the Aga Khan's HQ and Norman Foster's Stirling Prize contender, Bloomberg HQ in the City are real stand-outs this year."

Studio Weave's extension to Belvue School in Northolt is also on the programme

For the second consecutive year, all of London's boroughs are encompassed in the programme.

Office buildings on show include AHMM's White Collar Factory and the art-deco building renovated by Orms to become the new headquarters for COS, while public buildings include a school extension by Studio Weave and the new Maggies Centre by Steven Holl Architects.

There are also a range of housing projects, from the 1930s-built Kensal House Estate in Ladbroke Grove, to the recently completed Dujardin Mews development in Enfield by Karakusevic Carson and the tiny Sunken Bath house extension.

Sunken Bath by Studio 304
Housing projects available to visit include the Sunken Bath extension

Many of the regular favourites are returning, including City Hall, 10 Downing Street and the BT Tower.

The programme also draws attention to structures that showcase new and innovative building methods, as well as women who have played a lead role in shaping London. The aim is to demonstrate how good design can make London a more vibrant city to live and work in.

The programme also includes regular favourites such as City Hall

Open House London 2018 takes place on 22 to 23 September.

The full programme is available to view on the Open House London website. Alternatively, a limited-edition printed guide is available to buy.