Summer is here for good, and even if in London the sun has been extremely shy, there is at least one reminder that we are heading towards hot and shiny days: Architecture Week. The annual British summer celebration of and for architects, enthusiasts and all things architectural starts today, this year carrying a message for eco-awareness: “How Green is Our Space?” The official opening event took place this week, in an amazing rediscovered, surprise space.
In the depths of Westminster University, about three floors below ground level, lies P3 - the university’s vast, ‘hidden’ and so far mostly disused Construction Hall – which opens its doors to the public for the very first time. With its impressive height, industrial feel and different levels, it reminded me straight away of a mini Tate Modern Turbine Hall, and probably did so to the Architecture Week organisers, who chose the space for the week’s launch night, and also to host Keith Wilson’s and Richard Wood’s new installation – a complex of structural elements on a mock-rural floral print pattern ‘carpet’. Guests stepped on the bright-coloured floor and mingled between the playful metal structures, listening to Owl Project’s especially made, interactive sound installation. The drinks flowed, and a special welcome by RIBA President Jack Pringle, Westminster University’s Vice-Chancellor Geoffrey Copland, and of course Architecture Week’s founding patron Janet Street-Porter, brought the night to full swing.
Installation by Keith Wilson and Richard Woods, at Westminster University’s P3 'hidden' underground hall
P3’s inaugural exhibition will lead to a series of shows and events there, as the hall is set to be transformed into a new art space. And this is not the only reason to visit the University of Westminster next week: more shows include the famous Archigram Archives’ exhibition, a lecture from MAKE architects’ Ken Shuttleworth and of course the architecture school’s summer show.
Sidney Pollack,(left) and Frank Gehry
From today till the 24th, a range of events all around London and the rest of the country will unfold, from much-awaited Sidney Pollack’s Gehry documentary ‘Sketches of Frank Gehry’ and the two men’s’ conversation tonight at the RIBA, to eco-themed exhibitions and talks, degree shows and broadcasts. Even British fashion designer Paul Smith couldn’t resist getting involved; he has designed this year’s Architecture Week organic cotton t-shirt and bag. The ideal souvenir!
Ellie Stathaki, June 15th, 2007
