Architecture on the Thames Central Boat Tour - Tuesday 24 July 6.30pm
© Angus Hamilton
This after work summer tour takes you along the River Thames surveying the landmark architecture of central London’s embankments and the skyline beyond.
Departing from Festival Pier, the tour first ventures upriver to Nine Elms, taking in Battersea Power Station, the new American Embassy and the studio of world-famous ‘starchitect’ Norman Foster, designer of the Gherkin and the Millennium Bridge. Then heading downriver, our guide will explore the design and history of Michael Hopkins' imposing Portcullis House, the Neo-classical Somerset House and Renzo Piano's Shard, London’s super-contemporary skyscraper, among many others.
This unique riverside tour offers a fresh perspective on London’s emerging and established skyline and is led by our specialist guide Benedict O'Looney. Benedict's in-depth knowledge - he is a both a practicing architect and a teacher at the prestigious Architectural Association - guarantees deep insight and thoughtful commentary.
Duration 2.45hrs. Regretfully no children under 7. Booked for capacity of the inside covered deck in case of rain.
Pre-order Pimm's available, choose from two options on the shop page.
Pre-order cream cheese bagel now also available on the shop page.
Pre-order cream cheese bagel now also available on the shop page.
GROUP DISCOUNT CODE: Enter GROUP at the checkout on purchases of 3 or more tickets to receive a 15% discount
Previous Open City boat-trippers say:
"...the scope and the depth of the narrative during the tour...a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon on the river!"
"Excellent commentary and great to see things from a different viewpoint - both physically and intellectually!"
"The guide Benedict O'Looney was excellent, so knowledgeable, a privilege to hear him talk!"
Walking Tour - The Real Lea Valley from Industry to Art - Saturday 4 August 11am
© Angus Hamilton
For many Londoners the Olympic park, and its post-Games development, has served as a gateway to learning more about this once-overlooked city locale. Yet beyond the park itself, lies a different and still unknown world, a mysterious collection of waterways, natural open spaces, and important relics of bygone industrial eras.
Indeed the area's rich industrial history played a singular part in the evolution of the metropolis but remarkably, much of it remains untouched by London's subsequent growth and development. More recently it has been re-discovered - by artists whose studios, galleries and workshops pepper the riverside.
This walk provides an opportunity to get to know the area before it too is submerged by new building, as 'Central London moves east'.
Your guide is Ralph Ward, who has worked on the planning and development of the area for over twenty years, most recently as Olympic planning and regeneration advisor for the Department for Communities and Local Government. He is now visiting professor at the University of East London.
Meet: Carmelite Cafe at the Nunnery Gallery 181 Bow Rd, London E3 2SJ. Walk ends a short distance from East India Dock DLR, and Canning Town Underground St. Cost £25.50. Tour duration 2-2.5hrs.
Walking Tour - Transforming Nine Elms & Battersea - Saturday 21 July / 4 August / 25 August / 4 September 11am
A new walking tour exploring the area on the south bank of the Thames from Lambeth Bridge to Battersea Park. The tour will take in Caruso St John's Newport Street Gallery, the new American Embassy, numerous new housing developments along the Thames embankments by Roger's Stirk Harbour and Partners amongst others and the iconic Grade II* listed Battersea Power Station. Positioned at the centre of one of Europe's largest regeneration projects, Battersea Power Station is undergoing an ambitious transformation that will see it become one of the city's primary cultural and commercial destinations.
Your guide is an architectural historian and conservation advisor living and working in London.
Meet: 11am at Garden Museum Cafe, 5 Lambeth Palace Rd SE1 7LB. Tour duration 2-2.5hrs. Tour ends at Albert Bridge. Cost £25.50
Open House London 2018 Highlight:
Southwark Integrated Waste Management Facility
Don't miss out on the chance to view one of Europe's most advanced recycling facilities during Open House London this September. Southwark Integrated Waste Management Facility comprises many sustainable features including grey water, solar panels and a green roof, designed for the purpose of turning waste into a resource.
There will be tours of the site on Saturday 22 September as well as fun packed family activities all day including up-cycling workshops and HGV and digger displays.
Pre-book your Open House London Guide here for £8.50 (excl. postage) to gain exclusive insight into this years festival before the listings go live 21st August.
An Evening With...Wood Lane - Thursday 27 September 6.30/7.45pm
© Nick Kane
This evening event will give an exclusive opportunity to tour RIBA Award Winner Wood Lane with architect/owner Michael Russum co-founder of Birds Portchmouth Russum Architects and his partner Sally Cox.
This new 4 storey house in Highgate, which was shortlisted for RIBA House of the Year 2017 maximises the potential of the narrow site to add a contemporary addition to the eclectic villas along Wood Lane. The traditional relationship of living and sleeping accommodation is inverted with the bedroom set at garden level and the living area elevated above. The impressive double height living level contains an open plan kitchen /dining / living space with an elevated crystalline conservatory on the south side and an external terrace above the entrance.
The Entrance and Garden level plinth is of traditional engineering brick construction to respond to the cellular bedrooms contained within and make the earth retaining basement structure cost effectively. The elevated living area was designed as a shell structure of timber ribs with overlaid plywood to create column free open plan space. The monocoque structure was prefabricated in factory conditions in Lincolnshire to ensure quality construction, transported in panels and then craned in and assembled on the masonry plinth over a weekend.
Michael Russum's ambition was to create a home for urban living, which contrasts tightly planned functional spaces with generous living spaces to maximize daylight and views.
Each tour duration 1 hour. Limited places, cost £35.50 with complimentary prosecco and nibbles. Address: 6 Wood Lane London N6 5UB.
Fine out more about Birds Portchmouth Russum here
Ticket purchases of these special one-off tours of private homes are in support of Open City's pioneering education programmes.
Open City tours programme is updated weekly, keep an eye on the website and signed up here to hear new tour info first. Queries about any of our tours? Please contact tours@open-city.org.uk
