Enter the imaginative world of British artist and designer Es Devlin in the first retrospective in Europe celebrating her 30-year creative practice across sculpture, stage design, music, language and light. If your preferred time slot is sold out online, a limited number of tickets may still be available from the ticket desk. 'Es Devlin: Other Worlds' will explore Devlin’s genre-defying practice and the vast range of projects she has brought to life around the world. On display will be artworks, installations and film alongside the largest solo presentation of Devlin’s archive to date.
Reusing and retrofitting existing buildings offers a clear and sustainable alternative to demolishing and rebuilding, yet the UK demolishes 500,000 buildings every year. This session reviews current policies and barriers to change and looks at strategies for quantifying and communicating the whole-life carbon benefits of adaptive reuse and encouraging developers and clients to understand, improve and capitalise on the latent environmental, heritage, economic and social value of their existing assets. Speakers include: Kiru Balson, Max Fordham Esther Robinson Wild, Robinson Wild: historic environment consultants Ian Poole, Elliott Wood Engineers Luke Richardson-Brown, Partner, Studio PDP Alexander Grigull, associate principal at Grimshaw Partner: Max Fordham Free to attend
Designing for parental wellbeing: a new way to conceptualise wellbeing in our cities
MAR.2.04, Marshall Building · LSE Cities
The urban environment can either add to or help alleviate the mental load of parenting. The way we design housing, streets, public spaces, services and everyday journeys influences parents’ ability to access support, connect with others, feel safe, rest and navigate daily life. Design has the ability to offer solutions to some of society's most complex challenges and in this panel discussion, we will explore how the built and social environment intersects with different dimensions of wellbeing—from mental and physical health to belonging, connection and loneliness—and what it would mean for cities to intentionally design with caregivers’ experiences in mind. Cristina Garriga is an Associate and Senior Creative Strategist at UNS, where she shapes meaningful experiences through insight-driven strategy, brand innovation and human-centred design. Working across architecture, urban design, and product design, she brings together strategic thinking and creative execution, ensuring brands, places, and environments are not only distinctive and engaging but deeply purposeful, relevant, and built around the needs of clients, users, and communities.
BDP Clerkenwell, 16 Brewhouse Yard, London EC1V 4LJ · Twentieth Century Society
Join us for this autumn instalment of short talks from early-career researchers, including: Laura Mark exploring the unintended details of Peter Salter's Walmer Yard; November Tan reimagining Portsmouth Central Library; Joe Mathieson examining retrofit at Hampstead Garden Suburb; and sculptor Jack Handscombe discussing his artwork and late classicism. Details: Upgrading Utopia by Joe Mathieson The talk is about retrofitting the twentieth century utopian community of Hampstead Garden Suburb. Joe Mathieson is an architectural adviser at the Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust. Reimagining Portsmouth Central Library by November Tan November Tan is a PhD researcher in Architecture at the University of Portsmouth. Her work forms part of an AHRC-funded collaborative doctoral partnership with the Portsmouth City Council. This focuses on the architectural history of the Portsmouth Central Library, as well as participatory heritage and design. Trained in geography and architectural conservation, November has worked as an urban planner, designer and heritage professional for over 15 years. Originally from Singapore, she is also a community organiser, facilitator and learning designer who brings together traditional and digital art forms with play, storytelling and experiential learning. My work and late classicism by Jack Handscombe A short presentation on the sources and inspiration for Jack’s work as a sculptor and architectural designer that elide and collapse different times, themes and styles. Jack Handscombe is a sculptor, designer, and architectural stone carver. His recent work includes the stone carving for the Royal Regiment of Scotland’s 20th Anniversary monument in Edinburgh’s West Princes Street Gardens, unveiled by His Majesty King Charles III in July 2026, and an ongoing programme of architecturally integrated sculpture for a Longniddry South housing development in East Lothian, Scotland. His interest lies in the persistence of historic forms late into the twentieth century. His own practice draws on this latent continuity and attempts to actively speak in its many voices through exercises design and sculpture, to exercise the forms in a hope to develop the language. Peter Salter's Walmer Yard by Laura Mark Laura Mark will discuss her PhD research at Walmer Yard. Walmer Yard is a development of four houses which sit around a courtyard in Notting Hill, designed by the acclaimed architect Peter Salter. Once completed back in 2018, it was turned into a house museum and Laura was appointed as its Keeper. While there she made a series of casts of parts of interior walls where the texture isn’t quite as the architects would have intended. Many visiting the building might not notice these or alternatively might see them as intended details. Some of them became intentional as the architect acted to disrupt the notion of an imperfection or mistake by bringing them to the fore, extending them and spreading the initially unintended finish to other areas of the walls. The casts and a series of accompanying poetic words explore what is significant about these unintended moments within the interior spaces of Walmer Yard. They also present opportunities to carry out a close reading of the building and its fabric, and as a way to retrieve and create memories – akin to a talisman. In her presentation Laura will explore how the casting of the building and the words placed aside these casts can act to record the interiors of the spaces and the moments and stories contained within the walls of Walmer Yard. Laura Mark is Head of Casework at the C20 Society. She is an award-winning architecture critic, curator, editor and researcher. Before joining the C20, Laura co-led the undergraduate first year at Sheffield School of Architecture. She has previously taught at the Bartlett School of Architecture, University of Greenwich and the Birmingham School of Architecture and Design and Sweden’s UMEA University. Trained as an architect, Laura worked in architectural practice before joining the editorial team of the Architects’ Journal. She has also held a curatorial position at the Royal Academy of Arts. Hosted by Carlos Finlay.
Royal Festival Hall · via London Architecture Diary
The South Bank, Somerset House and Covent Garden – three London landmarks that have seen spectacular change from their original uses. Although all are cultural destinations, their architectural responses are radically different. How did the buildings develop and adapt, and will they remain relevant in a changing world? The Festival of Britain in 1951 sparked redevelopment of the South Bank, so our walk begins at Royal Festival Hall. We consider the brutalist institutions along the Thames before crossing Waterloo Bridge, with its panoramic views of the city. North of the river we discover Somerset House and some of the most fascinating buildings around Aldwych, before ending our journey at Covent Garden.
Relaxed Day Visit, 12pm – 3:15pm, £16 (+ £1.50 booking fee). Silent Night Visit, 5pm – 8:15pm, £25 (+ £1.50 booking fee). This is more informal than our Silent Visits, with talking allowed, yet still allows you to weave your way through the house and revel in its lavish decoration. Last admission is 45 minutes before closing time.
outside of Roehampton Library, 2 Danebury Avenue, SW15 4HD · Twentieth Century Society
This circular route explores the celebrated Alton Estate Roehampton (now around 65 years old) from the perspective of one who grew up there. The estate is divided into two branches with very separate identities: the slightly earlier Alton East (1955) with its Scandi inspired softer vernacular and Alton West (1959) with a more uncompromising brutalist approach, seen especially in the Grade II* listed slab blocks paying tribute to Le Corbusier’s Unite D’habitation in Marseilles (1947–52). Both wings of the estate were built on the extensive parkland of 18th century mansions which still survive. A requirement was that its mix of high rise, maisonettes, and individual houses should respect and avail of these historic landscapes and provide high density dwellings in spacious surroundings. In particular we will examine how the best intentions of its visionary designers translated into practical reality. Frank Burgess is a native Londoner with memories from age one of seeing concrete piloti awaiting assembly for Alton Estate Roehampton. His Irish immigrant family was among its earliest inhabitants. A fascination with the London townscape and its endlessly quirky variety dates from there. Frank has been working for the last eight years as an accredited London Blue Badge Guide.
EDGELANDS – Architecture at The City’s Limits ‘Part One’
London Architecture Diary · via London Architecture Diary
Around the fringe of every city lies an Edgeland. Neither town or country these fertile hinterlands are made up of two different natures. Skirting the ancient borders of the City of London, this TWO-PART walk explores the liminal buildings, streets and spaces that have grown up in the shadow of the financial heart. Following a route defined first by the Romans two millennia ago, PART ONE explores the contemporary ‘City Fringe’ between Tower Hill and Broadgate taking in old railways, warehouses and 21st century commercial leviathans and the neighbourhoods of Minors, Aldgate, Whitechapel, Houndsditch and Spitalfields! PART TWO: Saturday 07 November A walking tour by The London Ambler - Mike Althorpe
Relaxed Day Visit, 12pm – 3:15pm, £16 (+ £1.50 booking fee). This is more informal than our Silent Visits, with talking allowed, yet still allows you to weave your way through the house and revel in its lavish decoration. Last admission is 45 minutes before closing time.
Every Tue & Sat, 12, 2 & 3.45pm. Have you ever wondered what Somerset House was built for and what has taken place within this Grade 1 listed building over the years? Have you ever asked why Somerset House is located on this particular bend on the River Thames or its part in the naval history of the country? Have you ever considered how its identity today as a home for cultural innovation resonates with a rich history of art, science and pioneering figures who have shaped our society? Our tours will answer all these questions and many more. In this 1 hour experience, you'll take a walk through the varied and surprising history of the site, take a peek behind closed doors, step into our fascinating Deadhouse, explore an unrivalled architectural gem and learn more about the very special story of this building and amazing individuals who have lived and worked here across the centuries. Historical Highlights tours can be booked in advance or on site with our tour guide in Seamen's Hall. Step Inside our iconic landmark to hear captivating stories and view hidden history of Somerset House. We look forward to welcoming you. Please note this tour takes you to part of the building that has uneven surfaces and small raised sections between doorways, therefore may not be suitable for all. Please email our visitor@somersethouse.org.uk to discuss your access requirements. Please arrive at Seamen's Hall in the South Wing 15 mins before your tour is due to commence. All Historical Highlights Tour ticket holders enjoy 10% off at Café Petiole at Somerset House.
Clerkenwell is one of London’s most multi-layered neighbourhoods. From its medieval, monastic origins to its recent emergence as a hub for creative and design professions, it has a vibrant and fascinating story. Walking from our meeting point at Barbican Station, we discover historic Charterhouse Square. From there, we trace a path through Clerkenwell Green. We see recent residential projects by contemporary architects such as David Adjaye, Steven Holl and Amin Taha and we review the proposed urban transformations of Smithfield Market.
As digital systems and AI become increasingly embedded in art and design practices, Explore how emerging technologies shape material culture, memory and spirituality through the works of Aziza Kadyri and Eunjo Lee.
Belsize Park Station · via London Architecture Diary
Housing is the most significant built form in cities. On this walk, we see how architects and planners over the ages have experimented with this building type, often challenging the established norms. Starting at Belsize Park Station, we trace the history of urban housing over the last 200 years. We discover the remarkable story of the iconic Isokon Building and explore unique examples of post-war social housing by The London Borough of Camden’s Architecture Department. Not always pretty, the buildings on this tour comprise a fascinating comparison of housing types.
Silent Day Visit, 12pm – 3:15pm, £16 (+ £1.50 booking fee). Dennis Severs’ Tour, 6pm, £75 (+ £1.75 booking fee) (sold out). Walk through the house at your own pace without speaking. 18 Folgate Street is famous for the quality of its silence, enlivened only by ticking clocks, distant church bells and horse-drawn carriages passing. You will discover that when there is no chatter, you grow more aware of the fragrances of each of the rooms. Compounded by the house’s intricate visual detail, this is an intense experience for all the senses. Last admission is 45 minutes before closing time.
Specifying natural and sustainable construction materials
The Building Centre
Sourcing natural and sustainable construction materials can present various challenges, but addressing these hurdles is crucial for promoting environmentally responsible and socially conscious building practices. This session explores the issues around availability, cost considerations, certification and standards, quality and performance, education and awareness, regulatory compliance, supply-chain transparency and local sourcing. Architects, engineers, materials specialists and policy experts share case studies and applied research. Speakers include: Siri Zanelli, Founding Partner, Collective Works Lee Fox, Project Architect, BakerBrown Studio Rowland Keable, Director, Rammed Earth Consulting Anna Hollyman, CoDirector – Policy & Industry Intelligence, UKGBC Eleonora Regni, Webb Yates Engineers Jordan Panayi, GROUPWORK Partner: H.G. Matthews Free to attend
Hosted by Atelier One, the Bamboo in the UK Group and University of Westminster will explain the benefits of bamboo and explore the potential role bamboo can play as a mainstream low-carbon material for construction and design in the UK. We will showcase examples of bamboo already being used in the UK, and the ongoing research and prototyping that is beginning to unlock this under-utilised material. The event is targeted at all those looking to explore sustainable regenerative materials in their research and practice, particularly emerging practitioners, in the lead-up to the UK Bamboo Summit 2026 on Friday 30 October in Birmingham. Chaired by Chris Matthews of Atelier One, presentations will include: Ananya Singhal of Studio Saar Architects and Neil Thomas of Atelier One presenting the Pangolin Pavilion, a collaborative installation exploring the structural and aesthetic possibilities of bamboo Orit Azaz of Imagine Bamboo and the Bamboo in the UK Group on the UK Bamboo Summit and artist-led action research and rapid prototyping Ken Downing of UK Bamboo Supplies on current uses of bamboo across the UK James Marr of the Bamboo Bicycle Club on accessible, replicable bamboo design in prisons and education environments A panel discussion chaired by Kate Cheyne, Head of the University of Westminster School of Architecture and Cities Tickets £15. Free for students Find out more
Neil Thomas, founder of Atelier One, known as one of the most innovative engineering practices in the world and a proud member of the RAI, will explore what nature can teach us about structure and unveil an engineering approach inspired by tree modality, which could potentially be a major breakthrough in the way tall buildings are designed. Partner: Atelier One Tickets £15. Free for students Find out more
In the slum that was 1970s Spitalfields, settlers arrived to occupy, mend, restore and live in its derelict Huguenot houses, unintentionally inspiring a new taste for faithful neo-Georgian domestic interiors and joinery that culminated with the founding of the Plain English Design company by Katie Fontana and Tony Niblock in 1992.
Join long-time Spitalfields resident and designer Marianna Kennedy and Ruth Guilding of the Bible of British Taste in conversation as they discuss the enduring influence that Spitalfields still holds on design, with a contribution by Merlin Wright, Design Director at Plain English Design.
Refreshments will be served in the Plain English kitchen donated to the museum in 2021.
21st Century Architecture: EDUCATION with Simon Henley (Henley Halebrown) + mystery architect (RSHP)
The Gallery, 70 Cowcross Street, London, EC1M 6EJ · Twentieth Century Society
Learn more about some of the best 21st-century architecture from the people who made it happen. We’ve paired leading architects and academics for themed lectures where they will present their work, before sitting down to discuss their individual approaches to similar projects. Education – Simon Henley of Henley Halebrown will present Hackney New Primary School (2020). The project combines a 350-pupil primary school with an apartment building. It won the RIBA National Award, Neave Brown Award and was shortlisted for Stirling Prize in 2022. Second speaker will be an architect from RSHP, talking about their award-winning Mossbourne Community Academy (2004) in East London. When completed, the school was the largest timber-framed structure in the UK. Chimney-like towers extract hot air from inside and compose a distinctive roofline, betraying the practice's High-Tech roots. Chaired by Catherine Croft (C20). The event is chaired by Catherine Croft – C20 director and writer. She leads a course on concrete for conservation professionals at West Dean College. Simon Henley is a Principal at Henley Halebrown. He studied at the University of Liverpool and the University of Oregon, USA. He combines practice with teaching and research – he is a postgraduate MArch unit master at Kingston University, London. He wrote Architecture of Parking (Thames & Hudson, 2007), won the RIBA International Book Award for Construction in 2008, and Redefining Brutalism (RIBA Publications, 2017). Simon is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, an Academy of Urbanism Academician and Brother of the Art Workers Guild. The series coincides with the new C20 book 100 21st Century Buildings (2026, Batsfords). To book an online ticket for this lecture, click here. Buy the whole lecture series and save. The ticket price includes a glass of wine and a contribution to our casework and campaigns. Note: This event is hybrid and is being run both in-person at Cowcross Street Gallery and online via Zoom. The event will be recorded and offered as a catch-up lecture for those who have booked and will be available for two weeks.
