Simple Work Picks

September brings a packed programme of exhibitions, installations, open studios and architectural events across London. With the London Design Festival and Open House Festival taking place this month, there’s plenty to see, make and explore. We’ve rounded up a few of the events that have caught our attention, from experimental pavilions and material-led design to architectural exhibitions, hands-on workshops and conversations about some of London’s most interesting buildings.

𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹

Part of London Design Festival, The Pangolin Shield is a striking temporary pavilion by Studio Saar and Atelier One. Inspired by the protective scales of the pangolin, the structure combines a bamboo gridshell with traditional Indian shields, bringing together ideas of ecology, craft and cultural exchange.

13–21 September // Free

𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻

Running from 15–17 September, Material Matters brings together designers, makers, brands and material innovators exploring how materials are shaping the future of architecture, interiors and product design. Alongside the fair, the programme explores sustainable materials, circular thinking and experimental making, building on the conversations started by the Material Matters podcast, hosted by Grant Gibson.

The fair runs from 15–17 September.

Free to visit, register here: https://materialmatters.design/The-Fair

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗰-𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽- 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹

We’re particularly looking forward to this one. On 19 September, Simple Works are teaming up with Scale Rule and Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos for a hands-on workshop exploring how architecture, engineering and design can help shape greener learning environments. Through drawing, model making and creative challenges, young participants will have the chance to imagine and build their own ideas for the schools and public spaces of the future.

19 September // Free

𝗠𝗘𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗡𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗼𝗻 – 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹

Another Open House pick, MEplace Nursery Islington is a playful retrofit by Office S&M that transforms a historic building into a low-energy nursery. The project retains many of the building’s original features while introducing improved insulation, natural light and connections to the outdoors, creating a welcoming environment for children and staff.

The building is open for an architect-led tour on 19 September. Free to book through the link: https://programme.openhouse.org.uk/listings/13823

𝗕𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻: 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻 – 𝗗𝗲 𝗟𝗮 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘅 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁

Taking place on 16 September, this event explores the architectural and social legacy of the De La Warr Pavilion. Writer Owen Hatherley and Lucy Picardo of Haworth Tompkins will discuss its modernist influence, restoration and ongoing cultural impact.

6:15–8:30pm, Haworth Tompkins, London. Tickets available through the link: https://the-modernist.org/collections/events/products/de-la-warr-pavilion-x-the-modernist-being-modern-london-16-9-26

𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 – 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗸𝗮 𝗦𝗼𝘀𝗻𝗼𝘄𝘀𝗸𝗮 – 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘆

Opening on 10 September, Weight of Matter is the first major UK solo exhibition by Polish artist Monika Sosnowska in almost 20 years. Bringing together monumental sculptures made from steel, concrete and other industrial materials, the exhibition explores architecture, urban transformation and the legacy of modernism.

Running across the South London Gallery’s Main Gallery and Fire Station, it looks at the relationship between architecture and the people who inhabit it.

From 10 September //Free