Open house London

the long version

Every year for one weekend in September, hundreds of buildings in London some historical, some modern, but all great works of architecture open their doors to the general public for free. Open House London has become a landmark event in the capital's calendar, with a quarter of a million people attending the event and queues to enter buildings snaking down streets. Including private homes, offices, community spaces, governmental institutions and recreational areas, the range of buildings taking part in the Open House weekend is part of its great appeal. In the Open House London book, the reader can enjoy the same exclusive glimpse into 100 of the buildings that have taken part in the event. Well-known buildings rub shoulders with the less famous, but no less architecturally intriguing Lloyds of London and the Imagination building, Trellick Tower and Ed's Shed, Royal Festival Hall and Wilton's Music Hall. As well as the history of each edifice, the architectural considerations behind them are revealed, and architects and owners offer their thoughts and reflections on some of these incredible designs. You'll never look at a building in the same way again.