Curator Picks

This is a selection of a range of topics that I think address some of the most pressing issues in society today. They speak to us as practitioners (rather than designers), involved in prioritising the people, places, and communities that make life in London the vibrant and energetic city that it is - and could be.

For this year's LFA - as in every year! - there's something for everyone. And in reponse to the 'In Common' theme, I have selected a range of activities ranging from exhibitions to workshops and guide walks to cover as much of the festival as possible. I'm excited by the rise in the number of projects dedicated to increasing a diversity of voices that help shape our buildings, spaces and communities, and exhibitions and activies that highlight the importance of international collaboration to continue to make London the vibrant city we know and love.

There are many compelling ways to discover London and its periphery and I made this selection to illustrate the rich variety of spaces as well as the complex needs which constitute a city and how we can each take an active role in participating in its future.

In Common shines a wonderful spot light on the importance of children and young people having a say in the shaping of our neighbourhoods. There seem to be more events than ever that highlight the invaluable role they can play, and that explore behind the scenes of meaninful engagement. For children and young people, this year's festival is packed with fun and interative workshops, and - best of all - several of them are in fact designed and curated by young people themselves. These are events a very literal glimpse into the future!

This selection highlights the importance of architecture connecting across a range of means, from walks and talks to studio visits. This year, the London Festival of Architcture is about finding out what have 'In Common' with one another – in order to build a better world – and about bringing discussions about architecture beyond design studios and out into the wider community. What better way to do that then by seeing a film on an iconic landscape architect's work; visiting a digital installation looking at the secret life of a building; taking a walk through an unheralded part of the city; visiting pop-up installations on urban streets; getting your hands dirty building something yourself; and visiting a studio where work gets built?

Across a thought-busting, imagination-expanding, community powered programme - my picks explore common land and ancient rights, personal narratives through commons spaces and transformational knowledge sharing that puts people at the centre of the industry.

This years series of events feels to to paying much more attention to the disabled experience of space and cities, with several key and exciting projects across the programme. From bodies, education, practice, movement, landscapes and methodologies of designing, disability is present and vital to the conversation and actions we need now.

I've chosen these events because I feel like they display a wide range of activities that will get people really engaged with Architecture, from walking tours of historic streets to young people exclusive events, there is a lot for everyone to learn, explore and enjoy!