For one weekend each year, doors into buildings and spaces that would usually be closed to the public, are opened. Visitors are invited to view and celebrate the diverse architecture of the cities in which they live.
Since 1992, Open House has taken place in cities around the world including London, Lisbon, New York and Helsinki. Celebrating its 20th anniversary with the theme The Changing Face of London, Open House London took place on the weekend of 22 – 23 September and drew approximately 250,000 visitors. They took the opportunity to reflect on how the city has changed in the past two decades, and how it will continue to change in the coming 20 years.
To be part of Open House London, a building must meet specific criteria, including being an example of “design excellence.” Buildings such as the Bank of England Museum, the Royal Courts of Justice, the BBC Television Centre, and the Ismaili Centre, London were among the 750 that participated this year.
Situated in London's cultural heartland, surrounded by the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum, the Ismaili Centre has taken part in Open House London since 2001. The Centre is an original building, and while it draws inspiration from traditional Islamic architecture, it blends serenely into its surroundings. Its Islamic roots become clearly evident to visitors who, upon entering the building, are greeted by the calligraphic Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim adorning the wall and the distinctive geometrically patterned floor and fountain.
Since the Ismaili Centre's opening in 1985, Nizam Abdullah has been welcoming visitors and guiding them on tours of the building. He is confident that the Centre – renowned for features such as its unique Roof Garden, which reveals a spectacular view of the surrounding South Kensington buildings– will continue to attract visitors at outreach events like Open House. Visitors leave with a better understanding of Islam, the Ismaili community and the significance of the Centre.
Over the years, says Abdullah, non-Ismaili visitors have recommended that their friends also visit the Centre to learn about a community that values peace, education and self-reliance and who strive to live in harmony with the wider society.
Open House London
Open City, the charity behind Open House, aims to educate people on architecture and urban design. They provide resources for teachers to engage and inspire youth to explore the creativity of their city, both inside and outside the classroom. Their latest initiatives centre on sustainability and the importance of creating a liveable city. In addition, the charity works with stakeholders to focus resources and identifying innovative solutions for neighbourhoods across London.
