Designs for life

Above: RIBA

Above: Gravesend High Street, Kent

Above: Ightham Mote, Kent

Do you look at buildings? Have you ever wondered how they are designed? An exhibition designed to make us take a fresh look at the art of architecture is taking place right now in Kent and across the whole of the south east.

Architects, artists and others are putting on a huge range of events to help us gain a better understanding of how architecture and design in the built environment affects living, working and playing. architecture08 is a celebration of architecture, with more than 20 events taking place in Kent, ranging from architectural discussions and exclusive tours to hands-on workshops and art exhibitions.

Events in Kent

Mantle Pieces
A thought-provoking workshop called Mantle Pieces will explore the disappearance of this focal point in the home. Step inside artist Christine Finn’s house in Deal and discover the heritage and history of this vanishing architectural gem. Rediscover the importance of the mantle and, for a day, step back in time and create a mantelpiece for your home.

Art in Architecture
With the theme of ‘The art of architecture,’ there are many events that will engage the whole community. Art in Architecture is an exhibition in Canterbury, of entries to a photographic competition by local people. The competition engages people from across Kent to think about architecture differently.

Gravesend – My Town
architecture08 is especially keen to engage children and a programme of fun and educational activities has been designed for all ages. Guided by the architecture08 bird, parents can easily identify creative events suitable for children such as Gravesend - My Town. This imaginative workshop includes guided tours of the town, drawing classes and discussions for children aged from seven.

Medieval Mayhem
At one of Kent’s most beautiful sites, National Trust property, Ightham Mote, Medieval Mayhem will transport you and your family back to medieval times. Visitors will be invited to join in traditional games and watch re-enactments.

Matt Hayes, a partner at Lee Evans Partnership in Canterbury is most looking forward to the involvement with local school and encouraging the whole community to have an opinion on architecture. He comments; “There are a number of events during architecture08 that involve the schools community such as Art in Architecture @ Orange Street Music Club. We are really looking forward to these projects and working with architects across the county to showcase exhibitions of art in architecture.”

“Architecture is around us all and everyone is qualified to have an opinion on their surroundings. Celebrations like architecture08 really help to engage the whole community, and realise how important architecture is to us all.”

architecture08
architecture08 is funded by Arts Council England, South East and run by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) South East and the Solent Centre for Architecture + Design.

RIBA south east

17 Upper Grosvenor Road

Tunbridge Wells

TN1 2DU

Tel: 01892 515878