Open London 2012 - Bookings start today

Now in its 20th year, Open House London is a city-wide celebration of the buildings, places and spaces where we live and work. This year it will be running between 22 & 23 September.

It will be a unique opportunity to see, explore and learn about London’s amazing architecture and design over 48 hours. More than 750 buildings of all kinds will open their doors, alongside a programme of neighbourhood walks, engineering and landscape tours, night-time openings, urban jogs and experts’ talks – all for free.

This year’s theme ‘The Changing Face of London’ explores issues that are relevant to local communities and how the built environment is evolving – including the design of homes, the impact of climate change, the role of architects and contemporary design in revitalising places and above all showing how good design can make London a more liveable, vibrant and enjoyable city.

There's likely to be great demand for bookings for the most popular events. The full programme was only released at 11.30 today. So, if you're quick, you should get your pick.

Highlights to include:

• Iconic landmarks and towers including 30 St Mary Axe (aka the Gherkin), Heron Tower and

  Tower 42

• London’s infrastructure revealed with the Institution of Civil Engineers - including rides on the new Emirates Airline cable car, boat tours to the Thames Barrier and the Hoo Peninsula, engineering walks and site visits to major construction and engineering sites

• East London Transformation – discover all about the transformation of East London and the Lea Valley with expert-led events showcasing the regeneration of areas surrounding the Olympic Park.

• Nearly 50 projects with Landscape at their heart with the Landscape Institute – including the newly landscaped Granary/King’s Cross and Leicester Square, and the vast green roofs and insect hotel at 20 Triton Street

• Several open Embassies with the British Council’s International Architecture and Design Showcase

• Showcase of 100 private homes, Architects' homes and groundbreaking housing developments – from contemporary award-winners to vintage 50s and 60s designs

• Eco, zero carbon and retrofit buildings, with the chance to talk to experts, see measures inaction and discover how you can implement changes in your own home

• Speak with planners, architects and engineers on how they create successful buildings and cities

• Maggie’s and Open House London Night Hike on Friday 21st September – a moonlit walk through London with the opportunity to see Open House architecture and raise money for Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres

• Special events and openings on Saturday night including evening film screenings at the Haggerston ‘I was here’ event and Midnight Apothecary: Liquid Engineering, cocktails with a difference at the Brunel Museum

• Activities for kids and families, from architectural model-making to quiz trails

Due at 10 AM this morning, full details of buildings and events as well as the bookings area will available as soon as the organisers (a volunteer run charity) can resolve a technical glitch. Haringey's libraries will have free printed copies of the 2012 guide available at some point over the next week or so.

Website: www.openhouselondon.org.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Open-House

Open House Memory Bank: www.facebook.com/OpenHouseMemoryBank 

Twitter: @openhouselondon