RIBA Open Studios and The Great Architectural Bake-Off

Rodić Davidson ArchitectsCelebrating Pied Bull YardWhere – Pied Bull Yard, Bloomsbury, London, WC1A 2AE Rodić Davidson Architects opened their studios for the day celebrating the architecture and community of Pied Bull Yard, Bloomsbury. Pied Bull Yard is a wonderful little courtyard housing an eclectic mix of boutique shops and businesses. If you’re in the area it’s definitely worth a visit, why not drop into Café Le Cordon Bleu for a coffee and watch the architects at work. Robin Partington & PartnersCastlewood, 77-91 New Oxford Street, London, WC1A 1DG Leo Cripps gave us an informative insight into how RPP operates and told us about several projects the practice is currently working on, ranging from art galleries to high end residential. The quality of design is reflected by their understanding and sensitivity of the materials they use. Their 3 Merchant Square scheme in Paddington was truly interesting, designed to meet the client’s aspirations combining thoughtful design with impeccable detailing, even down to the door handles which were designed at the studios. The studio is full of joy and character with so many cool things going on; a secret squirrel that organisers parties and office trips, an amazing modelshop with all the tools, a gallery space that promotes a selection of artists, and finally my favourite part of the office – the ships bell, which is rung at 5pm every Friday for the staff to enjoy drinks in the café. No wonder they have previously won AJ100 Best Place to Work: London & South East. RIBA Incubator Open Studio76 Portland Place, London, W1B 1NT The RIBA Incubator in central London is home to a group of dynamic, young and emerging practices. 10 practices work from the affordable workspace and receive in-house training and business mentoring from established practitioners and industry professionals. The practices currently based in the incubator are Rashid Ali Architects, Dan Marks Studio, Holt Architecture Hoos, Architects O25 Architecture, Mara Bravo Architecture, Shared Architecture, Bellis Architects, Fluent Architecture and Architects Studio Ltd. The incubator is spacious and inviting with a central café style area surrounded by intimate and colourful break out spaces. The Great Architectural Bake-OffWATG, Boston House, 36-38 Fitzroy Square W1T 6EY A strong line up this year including Foster + Partners, Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners, AHMM and Squire & Partners took part in the annual Great Architectural Bake-Off, set in the beautiful Fitzroy Square, opposite WATG’s studio. The judging panel included the director of LFA, Tamsie Thomson, Sam Bompas from Bompas and Parr and Henrietta Thompson, editor at Large for Wallpaper*. Pollard Thomas Edwards’ entry was a recreation of the Deptford Lounge scheme which lies at the heart of Lewisham’s regeneration of Deptford town centre. Unfortunately, the team didn’t win, but it did taste delicious in the office on Monday. We’ll be back next year!