Taking place throughout June, the London Festival of Architecture (LFA) in Fitzrovia is a series of events and installations across the neighbourhood and beyond revealing the thinking behind the practice of shaping the built environment.
More than 20 activities and objects are on offer which explore themes such as design, access, heritage, and retrofitting.
LFA promotes itself as part of the solution to building needs. “From housing to high streets, the message is clear: our future lies in working with what we already have.” Initiatives such as “Architects Declare” and “RetroFirst” promise much as a response to the climate emergency.
But all too often architects collude with the stock-in-trade of demolish and rebuild, and fail to deliver on truly affordable housing and open spaces that provide for nature — something Fitzrovia has all too many examples of.
Are architects part of the solution or part of the problem?
The events and installations throughout June may offer up an answer and reveal how architects can reposition themselves to better serve the needs of humanity and save the planet. We may have to wait patiently…
A selection of what’s on offer
Voices for Humanity: A 90-minute guided walk taking in architecture from the 18th to 21st centuries, secret pocket parks, and stories of the diverse communities that have lived and worked in Fitzrovia and how it has changed. Wednesday 11 June at 6.30pm and Saturday 14 June at 2pm. All proceeds from this walk will go towards the International Rescue Committee.
Neurodivergent Voices: A fun sensory workshop that connects people and creates positive social interactions. A free drop-in event open to everybody: Saturday 21 June from 2pm to 4pm.
PUB — Platform for Unwritten Books: For one evening, the now-closed Tower Tavern pub will transform into a lively hub of unwritten stories, untold ideas, and interdisciplinary creativity. From Monday 9 to Friday 13 June. Exhibition and event free but booking required.
On The Beat from Bloomsbury to Fitzrovia: A light-hearted two-hour guided walk from Russell Square to Fitzrovia, with a former police officer who will regale you with stories and memories from his time as a Bobby on the Beat. Sunday 15 June from 2pm to 4pm. Free — just turn up.
Rethinking Architecture: Mentoring event giving students and emerging voices the platform to challenge, inspire, and guide experienced cross-sector built environment professionals. Thursday 12 June from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Free but booking required.
Building Voices: Reuse is no longer a niche ambition; it is fast becoming the mainstream response to the climate emergency. Retaining, adapting, and reimagining existing structures is presented not only as technically sensible, but morally and culturally necessary. Thursday 26 June from 5pm to 8pm. Free drop-in event no booking needed.
One-to-One Mentoring: In-person complimentary design reviews and workshops for current and prospective students and young practitioners within architecture and the built environment, irrespective of your background or academic stage. Thursday 26 June from 6pm to 9pm. Free drop-in event with no booking required.
Symphony Of Lights: a multidisciplinary performance that brings together dancers, actors, and musicians to share real stories of womanhood, struggle, and triumph in the city. Monday 30 June from 7pm to 9.30pm. Entry £5, advance booking required.
Gaza — Reimagining Disability: Workshop exploring how colonial violence in Palestine has led to a society with such a large proportion of disabled people, with Gaza having the highest number of child amputees in the world. Saturday 5 July from 11am to 5pm. Free but booking required.
The above are just a selection of the more than 20 events and installations on offer in Fitzrovia with many more taking place across London. The details are taken from the LFA website with links to the original listings and were correct at the time of publication. For more information visit: LFA 2025 Destinations: Fitzrovia.
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