Building Sounds

In this conversation we discuss what it means to transform an monumental building like the OWO - the Old War Office - and the voices that contribute to the past, present and future of the space. To unpack the OWO, we're joined by David Scowcroft (Project Director) and Charlotte Partridge (Associate Director) from EPR Architects - one of the key partners for the LFA. During the conversation David a...

Architecture is not only about creation; it’s about listening, amplifying, and intertwining the voices that make up our spaces, stories, and neighbourhoods. In this conversation Rosa Rogina and Dhruv Gulabchande explore the chosen theme for the London Festival of Architecture (LFA) 2025: 'Voices'. During the conversation, the two discuss mentorship, urban narratives, and taking action through enga...

In this conversation we discuss what it means as architects and designers to prioritise holistic sustainability, considering the impact of our proposals both for the people using the spaces we design, alongside the impact on the planet. To reimagine the typology of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), with architectural and philosophical ideas, we're joined by Thomas Krarup (Cobe), Chiara C...

One of the London Festival of Architecture's key missions is to platform the work of emerging designers, showcasing the sustainable and forward-thinking design that's happening in universities, collectives, classrooms and small practices across the city. This month, the Festival is back with two installations in Gaggenau's Wigmore Street showroom by designer Titilayo Abiola, who's going to talk yo...

How can we harness culture and community power as tools for connection across a borough? Barnet is one of London's largest boroughs, but existing public transport links can make cross-borough connection difficult. Join Sophie Roberts (LFA Senior Programme Manager), Synthia Griffin (Arts and Culture Manager, London Borough of Barnet) and Becky Lyon (Barnet-based Artist and Researcher) to discuss ho...

Now in it's fifth and final edition, the London Festival of Architecture's Pews and Perches design competition has delivered 6 new bespoke public benches scattered around the Royal Docks. The competition called for architecture and design students, recent graduates and emerging practitioners to deliver bench proposals that explore creative ways to use and reuse materials and take inspiration from...

We each have a unique relationship to London that depends on where we live, work and play. In this episode, we explore how our relationship to the city - from the chaotic to the classic - is shaped by photography and design, and the importance of collaboration across communities. Host Eliza is joined by Damla Turgut (Founder, Otto Tiles) and Gareth Gardner (Photographer and Gallerist) to talk all...

This month, we're joined by Elliott Wood Director Andy Downey and Make Architects Founder Ken Shuttleworth to explore Fitzrovia's unique history as a hub for architects, engineers and designers. From the iconic BT Tower to the hidden cobbled lanes, join host Eliza Grosvenor to learn about the area's workshop origins, and investigate the unique collaborative atmosphere that's constantly innovating...

When we talk about public spaces, we often throw around the word 'placemaking' without considering what the term really means. In this conversation, host Eliza Grosvenor is joined by Ruchi Chakravarty (Urban Designer, Masterplanner, Architect and Placemaker) and Federico Ortiz (Head of Content, NLA) to talk all things placemaking, and unpack the meaning of the word. To stay up-to-date with Ruchi's...

When the Festival was founded in 2004, Peter Murray had no idea of the legacy that the London Festival of Architecture would go on to have. In this episode, Building Sounds host Eliza Grosvenor sits down with two key people from the Festival's history to talk all things impact, 20th-anniversary, and uncover some intriguing stories from the early days. Eliza is joined by Peter Murray OBE (Co-Founde...

With shifting priorities post-pandemic and the transition to hybrid working, office occupancy is at an all-time low. What does the future of work look like, and how can we 'reimagine' workspaces that reflect our changing needs and minimise our impact on the planet? In this episode, we are joined by Gerhild Orthacker (Associate Director, Zaha Hadid Architects) and Uli Blum (Senior Associate, Zaha H...

What if the built environment was designed with inclusion in mind, taking into account diverse access needs? In this episode of Building Sounds, we speak with some of the individuals who are actively working towards transforming this vision into a reality - Jos Boys, Poppy Levison (DisOrdinary Architecture Project), and Roseanne Scott (Re-Fabricate). We explore the legacy of Seats at the Table, on...

In this episode we explore the chosen theme for the 2024 edition of the London Festival of Architecture (LFA): 'Reimagine'. Ahead of our 20th anniversary year, we're exploring the transformative power of imagination with Jess Neil, CEO of the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation and one of our LFA2024 Curation Panel members. Together, we explore how we can reimagine the social justice space and empower...

In this episode of Building Sounds, we'll be exploring how urban farming can convert neglected urban spaces into flourishing vertical farms, reducing food poverty and supporting a more sustainable city.   In conversation with First Sukpaiboon and Dan Bridge, we investigate the transformative nature of vertical farming practices, and explore its role in shaping resilient and eco-friendly citie...

In this conversation, we're discussing how we can test new ideas for the public realm with temporary built projects, and the role they can play in shaping a more sustainable and equitable city. We're focussing on two installations that formed part of the London Festival of Architecture 2023 programme. The projects mentioned in this episode are in-situ until August. Find out more information on abo...

As part of LFA2023, the LFA unveiled the winning installations for the third edition of Showroom Showcase. Now in its third year the Showroom Showcase competition sees a series of innovative installations exploring the theme of reuse by emerging architects and designers displayed in some of London’s leading design showrooms - Gaggenau, Ideal Standard and VitrA Bathrooms. In this episode we speak t...

As part of LFA2023, the LFA unveiled the winning benches for the third edition of Pews and Perches. The series of benches aims to improve London’s public realm, celebrate emerging architectural talent, and connect people with the buildings and spaces around them. In this episode we speak to the designers of the winning installations to hear the stories behind their designs. To find out more about...

In this conversation we’re exploring the London Festival of Architecture 2023 programme ahead of the month-long series of events happening across London, across the month of June. We’re joined by one of the LFA2023 Curation Panel members, Melodie Leung and Gonzalo Herrero Delicado. Melodie Leung is an Associate Director at Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) where she has been a leading designer within th...

In this conversation, we explore the theme for 2023 edition of the  London Festival of Architecture (LFA)- 'In Common', in the context of two projects, which combine art, science, and history to think about how we create sustainable futures and equitable societies. The projects form part of  Sea Change – a season of creative projects in Thames Barrier, Royal Docks (11th – 29th May). For the first...

In this conversation, we explore the theme for 2023 edition of the  London Festival of Architecture  (LFA)- 'In Common', in the context of cities – and how we can create resilient cities for the 21st century. We’re joined by three people from McGregor Coxall: Adrian McGregor, Michael Cowdy and Yazid Ninsalam. McGregor Coxall is a multi-disciplinary design studio dedicated to assisting cities achie...

In this conversation, we explore the theme for 2023 edition of the London Festival of Architecture (LFA)- 'In Common', in the context of the Design Future London challenge – a design challenge led by the Mayor of London, alongside MOBIE , which aimed to inspire young Londoners to develop an interest in designing beautiful, affordable and sustainable places to live, work and visit. We’re join by Ju...

In this episode we explore the theme for 2023 edition of the London Festival of Architecture (LFA)- 'In Common', in the context of accessibility, spontaneity and The Architectural Association. We're joined by LFA 2023 Curation Panel member Jordan Whitewood-Neal. Jordan is an architectural researcher, designer and artist whose work focuses on disability, domesticity, cultural infrastructure and the...

In this episode we explore the Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) – The Richard Desmond Life Without Limits Centre, in the context of the chosen theme for 2023 edition of the London Festival of Architecture (LFA)- 'In Common'. We're joined by Joe Wheeler, Associate at EPR Architects and Shalni Sood, Director of Philanthropy at RSBC. To find out more about LFA, the 2023 theme -'In Common', or...

In this episode we explore the chosen theme for 2023 edition of the London Festival of Architecture (LFA): 'In Common'. We're joined by Rosa Rogina, Director of the LFA , and Binki Taylor, partner in participatory place-making organisation, The Brixton Project and one of our LFA2023 Curation Panel members. To find out more about the LFA2023 or how to get involved in the festival, head to the LFA w...

As part of LFA2022 we're sharing five new stories, exploring the key people and projects shaping the Royal Docks. For our final episode, we explore the Royal Docks through the eyes of the next generation, with four students from London Design & Engineering UTC: Mahia Akther, Tianna Osho, Kev Grieff and Jericho Cabalan. Produced and edited by Eliza Grosvenor. Download the transcript