This week marks the start of the London Design Biennale, a fantastic event which brings 35 countries together through the shared language of design. The weather may have turned slightly, but what a great reason to sit inside and listen to a great talk or two? There is a wealth of talks which form a large part of this festival taking place this week, as well as many gallery and exhibition openings to get your creative side flowing.

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

Talks at the London Design Biennale 2016 - Shenzhen talk (7 September) and Ecotopia talk (10 September)

Image: 100 Visions of the City in the Age of Green Utopia, Alan Marshall

As part of the Biennale, there is a series of talks from leading designers on ranging subjects. Particularly intriguing is a talk from Xiaodu Liu on the trials and logistics of Shenzhen, China, whose rapid growth in the 80s and 90s was unsustainable, leading to problems which need resolving with modern solutions. 

Another fascinating talk comes from Alan Marshall, in which he will discuss the creation of  an Ecotopia. This talk will explore precedents and real-world examples of functioning ecocities, and how we can learn from the most sustainable, most unknown islands.

Building Healthy Communities: Mental Healthcare | 12 September

Image: Ruskin Unit, P+HS Architects

In partnership with the Museum of London, this panel discussion will be discussing the way in which architecture and design can affect the experience of patients within Healthcare. It has been shown in research, that the environment in which we place those suffering from mental health issues greatly affects their recovery, and the experience of not only the patients, but the families and the staff. This panel will be questioning how we can use considered architecture to better treat for these conditions.

A River Runs Through It | 7-11 September

Image: Urban Soup

A River Runs Through It is an exhibition of artwork inspired by London’s most iconic landmarks; the Thames. This collection will showcase pieces from self-funded, London-based studios, and celebrates the landscape and aspects of London life which make this city so unique. The artists, through mixed media and a range of styles, portray the variety of the London experience in a way which reflects experience, context, and attitude. It is set to be an exciting and inclusive exhibition, organised by Urban Soup, and held right by the river in the Oxo gallery.

London 350 Charcoal Sketching | 7 September

Image: Jeanette Barnes

Further celebrating the anniversary of The Great Fire of London, is this free class from artist Jeanette Barnes. The hour long workshop will explore the ways in which the fire which engulfed the city, changed not only buildings of London, but the way in which we view them. Participants will have a chance to study the regenerative consequences of the fire, and be guided through keys techniques of representation.

Béton Brut: Simon Phipps | 9 September - 27 October

Image: Balfron Tower, Simon Phipps

Béton Brut, meaning ‘raw concrete’, is an exhibition from Simon Phipps, exploring the Brutalist architecture, through photographs taken over the past 15 years. This exhibition seeks to showcase the unique appeal of Brutalism, and its role within the skylines of our cities. The work is reflective of its subject, with brushed aluminium used as canvas for these black and white, sculptural photographs. 

John Wardle Talk | 12 September

Image: John Wardle

John Wardle is known for award winning residential and cultural design, and is is one of Australia’s leading architects. This talk will explore the ways in which his buildings stitch together context and dwelling. Ahead of the book launch of This Building Likes Me - John Wardle Architects, this talk investigates and explains the practice’s intense passion for detailed, beautiful design, and how a building should ultimately complement its setting.

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

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