Discover south London’s iconic public housing by bike

Join Open House for a ‘ride out’ exploring the architecture of south London’s landmark public housing estates on a socially-distanced cycle tour

Led by up-and-coming architectural designers Aidan Hall and Rosalind Peebles, this socially-distanced bicycle tour will visit iconic residential developments from the golden era of public sector house building design.

Providing a safe and fun way for enthusiastic urbanists to explore the city in our post-pandemic era, the South London Architecture Cycle Tour is part of a new series celebrating the very best of public housing design across the four corners of the capital.

Focussing on the most visually-striking and memorable modernist achievements of progressive boroughs in north, south, east and west London – the cycle tours will show how spacious design, health and quality of life are once again in the spotlight as our city moves forward out of lockdown.

Highlights of the southern tour will include the cloister-like Macintosh Court retirement home in Streatham, the arched streets of Dunbar Dunelm estate in West Norwood, the cascading Central Hill in Crystal Palace, the village-like Lammas Green in Sydenham, and the spectacular commanding Dawson’s Heights in East Dulwich.

Occupying a series of dramatic hilltop sites across south London, these unique locations will be brought to life to reveal the fascinating details behind their construction during a moment of unparalleled optimism and idealism for the future.

Using live audio and image sharing, participants will use their smart phones to discover the extraordinary stories of diverse and previously overlooked architects – such as Kate Macintosh, Magda Borowiecka, Rosemary Stjernstedt, and William Jacoby – who brought a fresh wave of talent and ambition to the design of public housing.

Meet: Outside Streatham Hill Station, Streatham Hill SW2 4SA. Duration: 2 hours approx. Tour ends in East Dulwich SE22. Cost £12.50 / £9.50 concessions. (students/unemployed/furloughed etc)

 

Route: This challenging but rewarding route – including several up and downhill sections – will be tackled at a gentle pace. Participants must be competent riders; bring their own bicycle, a fully charged smart phone with internet connection, and headphones; and remember to stay at least two metres apart from each other where required. Get in touch with Adrianna at tours@open-city.org.uk with any queries.

Meet the tour guides …

South London Architecture Cycle Tour is led by up-and-coming architectural designers Aidan Hall and Rosalind Peebles, both actively involved in the creation of new sustainable public housing in the capital

Aidan Hall is a co-founder of social enterprise Okra where he leads projects in the fields of architecture, design, research and education. He has taught architecture at schools and universities across the UK and Europe and has led walking tours for the Architecture Foundation since 2017. He joined the Open House tours team in summer 2020.

Rosalind Peebles is an architect at alma-nac currently working on housing and community-oriented projects in London. She is a member of Okra where she collaborates in the fields of research and education, focussing on the social responsibility of architecture and housing in London. She has led tours for the Architecture Foundation since 2018 and joined the Open House tours team in summer 2020.