Architecture LGBT+ and London Festival of Architecture launch competition for Pride in London float

The London Festival of Architecture (LFA) and Architecture LGBT+ have announced a design competition for a float to represent architecture and LGBT+ architects at Pride in London 2018.

The design competition is aimed at architecture students, recent graduates, emerging practices as well as representatives from more established practices across London to submit a design proposal for float to represent LGBT+ architects and their contribution to architecture past and present. The winning design team will be commissioned to design and deliver the float for the Pride in London Parade on 7 July 2018.

There is a £8,000 budget for design and delivery. The competition and delivery of the completed float have been generously sponsored by Sir Robert McAlpine.

The competition will be judged by a panel of judges including:

– Jayne Bird (partner, Nicholas Hare Architects)

– Evan Davis (broadcaster and presenter)

– Jane Duncan (immediate Past President, RIBA)

– Tom Guy (founder, Architecture LGBT+)

– Danni Kerr (architect and RIBA diversity role model)

– Vinesh Pomal (architect, Tate Hindle)

– Tamsie Thomson (director, London Festival of Architecture)

– Rob Wilson (architecture editor, Architects’ Journal)

The competition is an important element in the London Festival of Architecture 2018 programme as the festival explores ‘identity’. The London Festival of Architecture is committed to promoting equality and diversity in the architecture and wider built environment professions, and in 2016 supported the launch of Architecture LGBT+ with a Pride Breakfast at the RIBA – one of that year’s festival highlights. More recently, the LFA’s “See the Elephant” campaign was highly visible at MIPIM 2018, and has empowered individuals and organisations to stand up to discriminatory behaviour in the built environment professions.

The deadline for submissions is midday on 6 June 2018. Further information for entrants is available at www.londonfestivalofarchitecture.org

The full brief can be found here. You should submit your entry via the electronic form here.

Tamsie Thomson, director of the London Festival of Architecture, said:

“Pride in London is a highlight of the capital’s calendar, and a fabulous day promoting equality and celebrating diversity in London. LGBT+ architects make a huge contribution to their profession and architecture in London and around the world, and I’m delighted that this competition will showcase them as we celebrate ‘identity’ in 2018.”

Paul Hamer (CEO, Sir Robert McAlpine) said:

“Sir Robert McAlpine are pleased and proud to support this project with LFA. We’re committed to making positive changes in support of inclusive and diverse workplaces for generations to come.”

Tom Guy said:

“At Architecture LGBT+ we’re delighted to be part of Pride in London alongside the London Festival of Architecture. We can’t wait to see the designs for our first ever parade float, and are looking forward to sharing our Pride with LGBT+ architects on 7 July as we celebrate them and their contribution to London.”