We have more in common than we know. But how do we create and shape the space we share: our city? How do we make the most of what we have in common – and explore the things we don’t?
Recently we announced the theme for the 2023 edition of the festival: ‘In Common’. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be posting a number of reflections from our #LFA2023 Curation Panel discussing what the 2023 Festival theme means to them, to inspire event organisers’ thinking ahead of the Call for Events in January 2022. Keep your eyes peeled on the space below!
If you can’t wait until then, head to our LFA2023 page to explore the LFA teams thoughts on the theme, checkout to our themed podcasts – including one with with LFA Director Rosa Rogina and LFA2023 Curation Panel member Binki Taylor and Jordan Whitewood-Neal! Or subscribe to the LFA Newsletter to make sure you’re the first of hear what’s new!
A landscape architect by training, Nic Monisse is Monocle magazine's design editor and host of Monocle 24 radio show Monocle On Design. Nic talks about how the theme brings us together when it comes to architecture and design - from the macro plans to the micro details – and how we can use relationships and discourse to shape common ground.
Find a transcript of the Nic's reflection using the link below:
Fiona MacDonald is Co-Founder and Director of MATT+FIONA, a social enterprise that empowers young people to shape their own spaces through a unique, integrated process of brief creation, designing, making and building. Fiona talks about the connective power of 'In Common' and the events she'd like to see - including how the theme can connect the non-human with the human.
Find a transcript of the Fiona's reflection using the link below:
João is Senior Programme Manager, Architecture, Design and Fashion at British Council, where he develops opportunities for designers to collaborate internationally and leads on a number of global programmes, including a fund supporting architecture and design biennales and festivals abroad to present work by UK designers, a series of architecture fellowships in Latin America, and design residencies. João talks about how in a time of difference, we have to celebrate what we have in common - and how much we can learn from what we share.
Find a transcript of the João's reflection using the link below:
Hadi is a first year Architecture student at Kingston University, who wants to embark to change the social housing sector of architecture for the better. Hadi is a London Neighbourhood Scholarship Trust Scholar for 2022/3. Hadi talks about how he’s looking forward to seeing community driven projects and events, as well as his young peers contributing to the 2023 Festival.
Find a transcript of the João's reflection using the link below:
Melodie Leung is an Associate Director at Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) where she has been a leading designer within the practice for over 15 years overseeing notable projects across architecture, interiors, product design, and exhibitions. Melodie shares how the theme should inspire event organisers to actively search for ways to collaborate, and how she'd love to see ambitious projects that are multidimensional, multicultural, and encompass multi stories.
Find a transcript of the Melodie's reflection using the link below:
Binki Taylor is partner in participatory place-making organisation, The Brixton Project. We develop cultural projects led by and for communities, to amplify the unique characteristics of place. Binki is an experienced coach-mentor, creative producer, community broker, and board member of the Brixton Pound.
Find a transcript of the Binki's reflection using the link below:
Jordan Whitewood-Neal is an architectural researcher, designer and artist whose work focuses on disability, domesticity, cultural infrastructure and the tension between accessibility and retrofitting. He is an Architecture Foundation Young Trustee and Co-founder of the disability centered, research collective, Dis.
Find a transcript of the Jordan's reflection using the link below:
Tara is a Mayor’s Design Advocate and Director of award-winning Gbolade Design Studio - an architecture practice specialising in residential and mixed-use developments. She sits on Design Review Panels across London where she advises the council on major planning applications. Tara talks about how she's looking forward to seeing events which explore regenerative design and development, but also for events that are radical. Radical in generosity, regenerative development as well as optimism.
Find a transcript of the Tara's reflection using the link below:
