Though it seems in London, school is now ‘out for summer’, that doesn’t mean that things have slowed down! This week there are some great exhibitions to visit on days when the weather isn’t as fine as we would hope, and some tours, talks, and workshops to let you delve right into the architecture of our city.
Check back regularly to keep up to date with London's latest happenings and our weekly recommendations!
The Giant Doll’s House Project | Open now until July 15
In this project, architects and children have created rooms to be combined to create a giant ‘Doll’s House’ for the exhibition in this South West gallery, which aims to raise funds and awareness for Shelter. This installation project, through its whimsical interpretation of the home, explores hopes and ideas in the context of domesticity.
Conceived and developed by architect Catja de Haas, this project has seen architects and children creating spaces in shoeboxes, which reveal context and influences of the maker as well as showing how diverse ideas can combine to create a wonderful finished product. Joining de Haas on this project is Lala Thorpe, whose experience and passion in delivering workshops in schools, museums and galleries is well-known and recognised.
Edge City: Croydon | Opening on July 16
Photo: National Trust Images / Sophia Schorr-Kon
Croydon has been recently enjoying a resurgence of interest, as many in London turn their eyes southward, both in search of home, and with an intrigued, critical eye for this post-war ‘Edge-City’.
“Often referred to as an ‘Edge City’ – a city-sized development on the outskirts of a city – this project is a riposte to Croydon’s ‘Crap Town’ reputation. Everywhere has its own unique spirit of place, and many Croydonians feel tremendous pride for their town. As it undergoes another wave of regeneration, the National Trust seeks to spark a debate about what is special and cherished about suburban places like Croydon, which are as awash with heritage, green space and beauty as anywhere else.”
The series of events scheduled for this month include walking and bus tours of the ‘concrete monsters’ as well as film screenings of original footage of the town.
What’s happening in your borough? | July 18
This free evening event, run by the NLA, will mark the launch of their Boroughs Stream, and is an excellent opportunity to develop an insight into the growth strategies being put into effect across London.
Understanding how the boroughs will be developing in the years to come is imperative to how we see our city; these are issues and ideas which will shape how we live and work. It is vital that we are all involved and interested in the process of change and development; the growth of our city is a fascinating topic in itself. This event is the first in an exciting upcoming series which aims to support and contribute to London Authority planning, and to discuss issues.
Speakers include regeneration, development, and place-making specialists as well as planners and urban designers.
RA Summer Exhibition 2016 | Open now until August 21
Photo: Stephen White/RA
The Royal Academy of Arts’ Summer Exhibition, now in its 248th year, is a showcase of public submissions from living artists. The show gives the public the opportunity to see emerging and established artists’ works side by side. From ephemeral sculpture and photography, to architecture and paintings; the exhibition is awash with a range of media and themes.
The show, as always, is curated from an open submission to all artists, with works selected by a diverse and highly respected panel. The RA’s passion for giving providing a platform to new artists is coupled with the benefit that the works on display are largely for sale, giving the public the opportunity to get a unique piece from a burgeoning young artist, whilst also supporting the future of the RA and their education.
Jeff Koons: 'Now' | Open now until October 16
Photo © designboom
Newport Street Gallery, owned and curated by Damien Hirst, is currently exhibiting ‘Now’, a solo exhibition of work by American artist Jeff Koons. Works in this show range from 1979 to 2014; covering 35 years of the artist’s stellar career. Known widely for his mirror-finish, giant stainless-steel balloon animals, Koons' work is both easily recognised and easily relatable.
“Koons’s work – which here fills Newport Street’s six, expansive galleries – challenges and teases in equal measure, reflecting as much on the profoundities of our existence as the banalities of daily life.”
Entrance to the gallery is free, and is a great way to spend an afternoon.
Engineering the World: Ove Arup | Open now until November 6
1966. © Robert Baudin for Hornibrook Ltd, courtesy Australian Air Photos
Ove Arup, known for his influence in refining civil and structural engineering, has certainly 'engineered the world' through his life's works. Ove Arup’s passion for developing and utilising technology within engineering still drives his firm; many examples of this legacy and innovation are shown in this exhibition. His legacy includes famous historic buildings such as the Sydney Opera House and the Centre Pompidou in Paris, as well as founding a firm who continue to lead in the engineering field with current projects, Crossrail and HS2.
The exhibition at the V&A will not only be an opportunity for the public to see the work and legacy of Ove Arup and the firm he founded, but to also take a good look behind the engineering, into the life of this incredible engineer. On display will be models, drawings, photographs and prototypes, many of which are previously unseen.
“Ove Arup was the greatest engineer of the 20th century. Unconventional and playful in his approach, his collaborative working style revolutionised building design during his lifetime and influenced how buildings are made today."
— Zofia Trafas White, co-curator of the exhibition, V&A
Engineering the World: Ove Arup and the Philosophy of Total Design is the headline exhibition for the V&A Engineering Season.
Have an event you want to submit? Send it to Bustler for review here.
Also keep track of our weekly event picks for New York City and Los Angeles.
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