Over the past year students from the Interior Design Platform, Interior Urbanism, have carried out investigations into London’s public spaces. We began by looking at the category of interior public space, documenting London’s sky gardens and asking what makes space truly public. With the advent of lockdown, our perspectives shifted and conversations about the differential treatment of public and private spaces became particularly relevant. Regulations that previously indicated the difference between public and private spaces in London quickly changed as public interiors shut down. Outdoor public spaces soon became a substitute for many public activities usually carried out in pubs, restaurants, and museums. The pandemic will have a lasting impact on the way cities are built and how public spaces will be inhabited.

The event will begin with a screening of a short film produced by the students, followed by a discussion with Lara Kinneir and David Knight who will share their insights as architects and policy experts.

Tuesday 21 July, 11am-12pm