The best of Brent’s architecture will line up alongside some of the capital’s most famous landmarks as this year’s Open House London gets under way this weekend.
Neasden’s exquisite BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple, the Brent Civic Centre in Wembley, and South Kilburn Studios are among more than 800 buildings opening their doors across London today and tomorrow.
The 21st Open House London event, themed as “celebrating architecture, people and place”, will give visitors a chance to see, explore and learn about some of Brent’s spectacular buildings.
It aims to focus on issues relevant to the capital’s communities, explore how the built environment is evolving and to highlight how contemporary design is revitalising places to make London a more liveable, vibrant and enjoyable city.
For more details visit www.openhouselondon.org.uk/brent.
BAPS Shri Swaminaryan Mandir Temple, Brentfield Road, Neasden
An exquisite Hindu temple hand carved in India before being assembled in London
Saturday and Sunday: Tours on the hour 10am-4pm, last entry 3.30pm
Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, Wembley
The new state-of-the-art headquarters for Brent Council
Saturday: Regular tours from 10am-5pm
Capital City Academy, Doyle Gardens, Willesden
A school in a building made of glass and stainless steel
Saturday: Regular tours from 10am -2pm
Harmony Children’s Centre, Bridge Road, Harlesden
Four connected pavilions housing office space, public halls and a nursery
Saturday: Tours from 9am-5pm
Rauch Ministries Christian Centre, Kilburn High Road, Kilburn
Former cinema with a Renaissance style interior and an original Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ
Saturday: Open from 10am-5pm
South Kilburn Studios, 2a Canterbury Road, Kilburn
See the transformation of a disused building into a series of studio spaces
Saturday and Sunday: Tours on the hour from 1pm-5pm
The Tin Tabernacle/Cambridge Hall, 12-16 Cambridge Avenue, Kilburn
An 1860s corrugated iron chapel transformed into a ship
Saturday and Sunday: Half-hourly tours from 1pm-5pm, last tour 4pm
Underground Bunker, Brook Road, Neasden
Used by Winston Churchill and his Cabinet during the Second World War
Saturday: Tours from 8.30am-5pm, email katy.bajina@networkhg.org.uk to book
Watling Place, Albert Road, Kilburn
A building with interlinking blocks in concertina form
Saturday: Tours and discussions from 10am-4pm
Zog House, 1a Donaldson Road, Kilburn
A prototype of 21st century living
Saturday: Half-hourly tours until 12.30pm, email zoghouseOH2013@solidspace.co.uk to book
Roe Green Village, Roe Lane, Kilbuen
Housing built for AirCo employees, influenced by the Arts and Crafts Movement.
Sunday: Meet historian Peter Cormack at 11am or 3pm at Village Green
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