London Festival of Architecture 2014 – dates for your diary

London Festival of Architecture 2014: highlights of  this years 'Capital' theme  via our specially curated routes

2014 is the 10th anniversary of the London Festival of Architecture and the theme for this year is ‘Capital’. The festival consists of a varied programme of talks, events and exhibitions throughout June. Here are our three curated 'routes' through the polymorphous programme,that take in some of the highlights.

Number one: Gardens

One of the undoubted highlights of the festival is Dan Pearson and Thomas Heatherwick's proposal for a 'garden bridge' across the Thames. The pair will come together to talk about the project on 26th June at Siobhan Davies Dance. Also at Siobhan Davies, in Kennington, is an indoor garden by Daniel Lobb that uses sweat generated by dancers to water the plants. Finally, Fashion Space Gallery, just off Oxford Street, have commissioned a rooftop garden by Studio Weave, a young, dynamic architecture and design practice based in London.

Number two: Water

In the face of climate change and a rapidly expanding population, one of the most pressing issues for planners of infrastructure is water. A pavilion in Bedford Square built by GUN architects called Rainforest  consists of hanging stalactites that generate a micro-climate, dripping water into pools beneath it. Bridge , at the Museum of London Docklands, is the venue's largest exhibition to date and presents a fascinating portrait of the capital via its bridges. Finally, meeting at the Richard Serra sculpture by Liverpool Street Station, a walking tour lead by Tim Waterman, Talking on Water – Water, Meat, Drink and the Lie of the Land, discusses London's urban landscape in relation to water.

Number three: Views

Capital Views offers the opportunity to see the city from a different perspective, with access to some of its most iconic buildings including Centrepoint, and Erno Goldfinger's Balfron tower. Or if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, you can follow RIBA's trail of open studios around Shoreditch on the 5th June, to gain an insight into some of the most exciting architecture and design practices in the capital. 

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