ArchiKids festival returns to London to inspire architects of the future
by Kim Megson | 22 Jul 2016
The 2016 Archikids Festival begins in London this weekend with a host of free activities planned to engage children with architecture, engineering and design.
Children aged 5-11 and their families are invited to tour some of the capital's iconic buildings, including the Gherkin by Norman Foster, and take part in a series of architecture challenges between 10am-5pm BST on both days.
Tasks include experimenting with different materials and shapes to create a city building protected from the elements; designing an inhabitable contemporary river crossing inspired by the Garden Bridge debate; creating replicas of iconic London buildings; finding eco-friendly ways to conduct energy; and racing to build the biggest and best LEGO structure.
Stanton Williams Architects will run the latter event, and a number of other local studios will participate in the festival.
ArchiKids is organised by Open-City, an architecture education charity that aims to create “the opportunity for everyone to enjoy and celebrate the buildings and places where we live, work and play.”
ArchiKids ArchiKids Festival Open-City London architecture design the Gherkin
London landmarks such as Norman Foster's Gherkin will be open for families to explore Credit: ArchiKids
Tasks include building structures out of LEGO Credit: ArchiKids
The festival is designed to inspire children to have a greater interest and understanding of the built environment Credit: ArchiKids
Tasks include experimenting with different city layouts Credit: ArchiKids
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