Echoes of Transformation: London Through Time…

The world is constantly changing, continuously informing our lives and with it altering the built environment around us.

The contrast of architectural styles from different eras presented in London’s skyline is a clear reflection of the transformation our city has undergone. From small, vernacular buildings of brick and stone to towering skyscrapers of glass and steel, we see the variation of historical and contemporary architecture collaborating together to make our city what it is today.

In addition to showcasing visible changes in our urban landscape, this juxtaposition of old and new captures the developing ideas, technologies, and values of each generation that has made its stamp on the city.

Every building tells a story about the goals and inventions that influenced its design. We get inspired to think about our personal identities and how they are connected with the story of the city by the constantly changing relationship between the past and present.

Let us honour the legacy of those who came before while embracing the potential of the future as we construct and transform our city together.

‘Echoes of Transformation: London Through Time…’ is part of the 2024 City Curator’s programme, which aims to amplify the voice of young people within the Open House Festival.

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Echoes of Transformation: London Through Time

monument

Welcome to "Echoes of Transformation: London Through Time," where you'll embark on a journey exploring the evolution of London’s architecture, from its historic brick and stone buildings to the towering glass and steel skyscrapers of today. The city’s ever-changing skyline reflects the shifting ideas, technologies, and values that have shaped it over the centuries.

Christopher Wren, 1672

Drop in / Guided tour

Grand Junction at St Mary Magdalene Church, Paddington

concert/performance space, religious, community/cultural, walk/tour, gallery

Grade I Victorian Gothic church by G E Street, architect of the Royal Courts of Justice. The recent conservation project reveals the majestic colours of Daniel Bell's painted ceiling, plus Dow Jones Architects' contemporary heritage wing.

G. E. Street, 1867

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Old Royal Naval College

historical house, open site, museum

Sir Christopher Wren's riverside masterpiece in Greenwich, built as the Royal Hospital for Seamen and begun in 1696 on the site of the Tudor Greenwich Palace. Occupied by the Royal Naval College from 1869 to 1998, it is now a premier historic, cultural and educational destination in the heart of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sir Christopher Wren, 1696

Guided tour

Ram Quarter

walk/tour

The UK’s oldest brewery site, home to Young’s for almost 200 years. Architect's talk covers planning, redevelopment, design and materiality, and includes the new public square, boulevard, riverwalk, new buildings & restored listed buildings. There will also be a guided tour of our on-site Heritage Centre, which displays many historical artefacts and tells the story of the site's brewing history.

EPR Architects, 2019

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Roca London Gallery

gallery, museum, walk/tour

Designed by the world renowned Zaha Hadid Architects, Roca London Gallery is a unique space where water acts as the architectural theme. Guests can also visit 'Bio-Spaces: Regenerative Resilient Futures', a major exhibition exploring biodiversity and biomimicry in design, as well as biomorphic design, bio-based materials and bioregenerative design.

Zaha Hadid Architects, 2011

Guided tour

Royal Academy of Music - Theatre and new Recital Hall

theatre, concert/performance space, education

The Royal Academy of Music’s Susie Sainsbury Theatre and Angela Burgess Recital Hall project created two distinct, outstanding performance spaces for Britain’s oldest conservatoire. Designed by Ritchie Studio, the project was the winner of over 20 national and international awards including the RIBA London Building of the Year.

Ritchie Studio, 2018

Guided tour

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

health

A modern conversion of a 19th-century hop warehouse and a 1980s office building, joined by a striking helical staircase. It is the home of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and other women’s health organisations.

Bennetts Associates, 2019

Guided tour

Sheppard Robson 77 Parkway

architectural practice

Nestled off a busy street in Camden, the former industrial building has been home to architectural firm Sheppard Robson for over 40 years. A series of additions have allowed more amenity, social spaces, and diversity in work settings.

Sheppard Robson, 1974