Open House London 2017 takes place on the 16th and 17th of September. This year will mark an important milestone in the event’s history; it is 25 years since the not for profit organisation first set out to improve awareness and appreciation of architecture in cities. This is more important than ever today with the urban fabric changing so rapidly.

Although it is 25 years later, the core belief and values of Open House remain the same. The idea is to encourage people to have a direct experience with architecture. This makes it easier to engage with spaces and get a feel for them; it is a much better approach than being abstract and only looking at photographs and descriptions.

The Open House idea has proven to be so popular that it has spread to over 30 cities all around the world. This has created a worldwide family and given people the chance to experience architecture in countless cities that otherwise would be inaccessible.

At Coffey Architects we are proud to be involved in the 2017 show. As part of it three properties we designed will be opened to the public. The three are the award winning Hidden House, Modern Extension, and Modern Terrace.

Visitors will get the chance to speak to a number of the architects London is home to, getting their insights into the projects. There will be guided tours, including those led by professional guides and stewards. In 2016, 1,600 tours were delivered by architects, including a number by practice directors.

If you are planning to visit Open House we urge you to plan ahead. Some properties will only be opened for short periods and there will only be a set number of places on tour groups. It is best to pre-book so you don’t miss out. Additionally you can order a guidebook for the whole event to tell you more about what opportunities are available.

Don’t turn down this opportunity to get a better experience of architecture and the chance to speak with the architects London is being shaped by.