With this year’s Olympics, the ‘greatest show on earth’, fast approaching and London 2012 still very much in our minds, a lot of the conversation in the city has been focused around the legacy of our games, and the possible outcomes from Rio 2016. Discussions have naturally turned toward an international focus recently, and this week’s events in the city are no exception. From showcasing foreign partnerships with Asia and Africa, to walking tours exploring the international designs of London, this week is packed full of interesting things to do and see.

Check back regularly to keep up to date with London's latest happenings and our weekly recommendations!

Walking tours:

This week, there are a couple of chances to get outside on walking tours of the city. Take a step back from the world you see as a commuter, perhaps whizzing past architectural beauties as you rush for the tube, and instead learn about the planning and concepts behind London’s jumble of streets.

King’s Cross Tour | Happening now until September 3

Lead by Maggie Baddeley, a senior associate director at NLP, a town planning, economics and design consultancy, this walking tour will explore the King's Cross area, one of Europe’s largest city centre regeneration schemes. This once neglected part of town has seen a surge in attention over this 25 year project; new streets, squares, parks, 20 historic and 30 new buildings have all combined to create this regeneration project.

The three hour tour has been well attended in the past, and has been cited by attendees as being an invaluable experience for understanding “such an important development, taking place almost on our doorstep."

Tours are taking place on multiple dates, and it is recommended to book early to avoid disappointment.

Crossrail tour | July 27

This tour, run by New London Architecture will be exploring the effects of completed (and future) developments on the Soho/West End/Oxford Circus area, with particular consideration of what Crossrail will add to this part of the city.

Starting with Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners’ extension to the British Museum, and Renzo’s Piano’s mixed-use development at Central St Giles, the tour will look at some iconic design, and discuss some of the biggest names in Architecture, as well as exposing some ‘hidden gems’ throughout. Exploring all types of scheme; from transport to hospitality, and residential to leisure. It is sure to open up eyes and minds to the perhaps lesser-discussed area of the city.

Olympic talk at NLA | July 29

Image: LDA design

The NLA are holding a free breakfast talk on how Olympic games, and their legacies, change the cities in which they are held. Speakers, including Jason Prior, the former Chief Executive of AECOM, and Rosanna Laws, Executive Director for Development, London Legacy Development Corporation, will be discussing the potential for major regeneration which follows the hosting the Olympics. Prior, as ‘the man with the [master]plan’ for Rio 2016 and London 2012, will be able to not only discuss the pitfalls and successes of the London games, but provide some incredible insight into the 2016 games in Brazil, which will open just one week after this talk.

The conversation will focus not only on the potential for Rio and Tokyo, but will examine the results of East London’s regeneration following the 2012 games. What were the lessons learned from London? And have these outcomes been used for Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020?

Make Your Movement: Korean Contemporary Objects, A New Approach | Opening on August 1

Chair by Kyungtaek Roh, on display at the exhibition

Opening on 1st August, The Korea Craft and Design Foundation presents this exhibition, showcasing a ‘new phase in Korean craft, influenced by the concept of movement’. Ranging from furniture to fine jewelry and ceramics, the show has been curated by Kyoungrin Park and provides a platform for Korean artists and makers.

All objects on show have been made by hand, utilizing both modern and traditional techniques, and are saturated with the context of the makers’ knowledge and experience. Consequentially, Korean culture is naturally embedded within them, making these objects into tools for communicating Korean daily life and histories.

Constructing Communities | Open now until August 4

Following the RIBA’s open call for submissions for the ‘Constructing Communities’ project earlier this year, the results were constructed at 1:1 scale. The RIBA called upon its professional and student member to develop designs that could ‘create or encourage community activity’. This aim is extended through to the exhibition in RIBA’s Art Deco headquarters in London, where members of the public are welcome to engage with these 1:1 projects.

Visit the show before it closes, and experience these designs for yourself.

The Oriana Project | Open now until August 26

Image: The Oriana Project

Allies and Morrison have recently teamed up with The Oriana Project, a charity who work to provide education facilities for disabled, vulnerable and orphaned children in Nanyuki, Kenya. Allies and Morrison have worked closely with the foundation to create a new boarding school in Nanyuki.

The Oriana Project's initial aim is to create this educational institution to allow the children who reside there to live, play, and learn in one place, together; the school will cater for those with disabilities inclusively, allowing them to fully integrate with their peers. The intention is that the school will give these children, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds, the chance to lead a fulfilling and educational childhood, without the pressures of the outside world.

Also keep track of our weekly event picks for New York City and Los Angeles.

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