IMPORTANT Website terms of use and cookie statement

RIBA keyboard_arrow_right
What's On keyboard_arrow_right
Festival of the Future

students building tower wooden boxes 950jpg

Festival of the Future

Explore, create, and imagine your future in the built environment at this two-day festival bringing together 20+ partners. Programme includes creative workshops for all ages, talks and tours, plus study/careers advice and networking for aspiring architects.

today 14 March to 15 March 2025
place RIBA, 66 Portland Place, London, W1B 1AD
call learning@riba.org
receipt Free

The Festival of the Future invites you to explore, create, and imagine your future in the built environment. Bringing together 20+ partners over two days it aims to inspire the next generation of city makers through a creative and practical programme for all backgrounds.

Children, young people, and adults can pick from a range of events including everything from AI in architecture workshops and industry debates to carpentry workshops and group design tasks.

Meet with careers, funding, and work experience support providers to explore different routes to becoming an architect; whether you're choosing your GCSE’s, preparing for university with A-levels or BTECs, or getting ready to graduate.

Plus, there are events for professionals interested in how to best engage with future generations of built environment professionals.

Accessibility

We want every person to feel welcome and included at RIBA's iconic 66 Portland Place, London. We are aware that our visitors will have a range of access requirements. You can find our accessibility information on our visit us page and please get in touch if you have any queries about accessibility and inclusion at 66 Portland Place.

Event Programme

All events are free, but must be booked online via Eventbrite or via email - where noted on the event listing.

Some events may run a waiting list depending on demand.

For all ages

Difficult Sites: Architecture Against the Odds

Friday 14 March and Saturday 15 March 10am to 5pm
Exhibition by RIBA Public Programmes Team and vPPR
Visitors of all ages can learn how architects have created the most extraordinary architecture in the most extreme circumstances in this exhibition in RIBA’s architecture gallery.

Difficult Sites: Architecture Against the Odds Exhibition Tours

Friday 14 March 10.30am and 1.30pm
Visitors of all ages can join exhibition designer and curator Pete Collard to learn how architects design in the most challenging conditions

Suspended spaces

Friday 14 March 11am to 4pm
An interactive build by Matt + Fiona
Architects of all ages can help to reimagine the RIBA atrium staircase, exploring light, shade, and form

Building a new world

Saturday 15 March 11am to 4pm
Drop-in handling session for all ages with the Built Environment Trust. Can we build in more sustainable materials? Explore biobased and recycled building materials that questions the future of traditional materials which creates vast amount of waste and uses the planets limited natural resources

Making a Museum

Saturday 15 March 11am to 4pm
Discover how London Museum and Sir Robert McAlpine are transforming a group of historic market buildings into the museum’s exciting new home in Smithfield. Explore the wide range of careers in construction and museums, find out about training and apprenticeships, and tell us what you’d like to see in our new spaces.
We’ll also have information on our London Collection Bursary scheme for anyone starting university this autumn

For families

RIBA Baby: Songs and stories

Saturday 15 March 10am to 11am
An interactive story session. Come on a learning adventure in architecture for under 3’s and see what you find out through the magic of song, dance, and stories

Group of multigenerational people throwing confetti in the air

RIBA Family: Songs and stories

Saturday 15 March 11.30am to 12.30pm
Come on an adventure in architecture for the whole family and see what you can learn through the magic of song, dance, and stories

Pop-up pavilion

Saturday 15 March 11am to 4pm
Drop-In practical design workshop by Archimake. Children and young people aged five plus can test their design and making skills by building large scale shelters inspired by Serpentine pavilions

Dream Designs: Circular straw cities

Saturday 15th March, 11am to 4pm
Drop-in practical workshop by Woods Bagot. Children and young people are invited to unleash their creativity by designing and building their dream projects from libraries to theme parks, no project is too ambitious

Discover your city superhero powers

Saturday 15 March 11am to 4pm
Practical workshop by the Thornton Education Trust. Calling all urban explorers: Discover how cities are like giant puzzles waiting to be solved. Children ages 7 to 12 can enjoy creating awesome ideas to make their neighbourhood more enjoyable

For school children

In the making

Friday 14 March 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm, and 1.30pm to 2.30pm
To book email learning@riba.org.
Design workshops for 10 to 14 year olds run by Heatherwick Studio, designed to help young people see themselves as creative

Discover your city superhero powers

Friday 14 March 10.30am to 12pm and 12.30pm to 2pm
To book email learning@riba.org
Practical workshop by the Thornton Education Trust. Calling all urban explorers: Discover how cities are like giant puzzles waiting to be solved. Children ages 7 to 12 can enjoy creating awesome ideas to make their neighbourhood more enjoyable

London: Your homes and communities

Friday 14 March 12pm to 2pm
A practical workshop by Black Females in Architecture. To book email learning@riba.org
Secondary school pupils and young people can enjoy learning about how London is home to an extraordinary diversity of communities whilst exploring what defines young people as ‘Londoners’ and how their city will determine future interests and paths in life

Stepping stones

Friday 14 and Saturday 15 March 11am to 4pm
Find out about work experience programme for 16 to 18 year olds who can sign up for summer work placements with practices across the UK. Visitors can also see work created by students who have participated in October and February work experience placements organised by RIBA’s Learning team

The knowledge exchange

Friday 14 March 11am to 4pm
Drop-in advice surgery by leading industry professionals where young people and architecture students meet industry leaders, find out about the many ways to get involved in shaping the built environment, and get advice on the benefits of mentoring

women standing outstretched arm RIBA event

Designing the city for women and girls

Friday 14th March 10am to 2pm and 1pm to 3pm
This practical and interactive debate workshop, delivered by the Greater London Authority in collaboration with the Mayor’s Design Advocates, London Legacy Corporation, and Elevate will explore the needs and experiences of women, girls, and gender-diverse people in the built environment and the profession

For young adults

Architecture toolkit workshop: AI, software skills, and communication tips

Friday 14 March 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm
A drop-in architecture skills workshop by Build The Way for ages 16 to 25 exploring how to start a design project using AI and simple software skills; plus learn top tricks to help build your design portfolio

Shaping places

Friday 14 March 1pm to 4pm
In collaboration with the Barbican Centre and Beyond the Box, young people aged 12 to 25 can explore their role in shaping London’s spaces and about co-design in cultural spaces

Stepping stones

Friday 14 and Saturday 15 March 11am to 4pm
Find out about work experience programme for 16 to 18 year olds who can sign up for summer work placements with practices across the UK. Visitors can also see work created by students who have participated in October and February work experience placements organised by RIBA’s Learning team

The knowledge exchange

Friday 14 March 11am to 4pm
Drop-in advice surgery by leading industry professionals where young people and architecture students meet industry leaders, find out about the many ways to get involved in shaping the built environment, and get advice on the benefits of mentoring

RIBA Student bursaries and scholarship programme

Friday 14 March 2.30pm to 3pm
Join RIBA’s education team to learn more about the range of bursaries and scholarships that architecture students can apply for

London: Your homes and communities

Friday 14 March 12pm to 2pm
A practical workshop by Black Females in Architecture. To book email learning@riba.org
Secondary school pupils and young people can enjoy learning about how London is home to an extraordinary diversity of communities whilst exploring what defines young people as ‘Londoners’ and how their city will determine future interests and paths in life

young woman in head scarf enjoying table activity RIBA festival

Designing for learning: Collaborative spaces that inspire

Friday 14 March 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Join architects from Woods Bagot to discover the creative journey of designing a school library and a museum within an office tower that brings ideas to life through collaborations and engagement with learners, shaping a space that inspires learning and connection

mixed group of architectural students RIBA festival

Support while you study architecture

Friday 14 March 5pm to 7pm
Exhibition and advice workshop by The London Neighbourhood Scholarship Trust (LNS). GCSE and A-level students can meet LNS students and alumni to learn about their experience studying architecture and how the LNS has helped them work to the best of their ability

men and women focusing on computer screen RIBA festival

SEW+TELL

Friday 14 March 5.30pm to 6.30pm
Presentations by London School of Architecture students hosted by Freddie Jackson from Studio Egret West. An open forum discussion for architecture students to exchange their End of Year projects through five-minute presentations focused on the theme of Social Impact through architecture

storyboard by architectural student for RIBA festival

Graduate showcase

Friday 14 March 6pm to 8pm
Graduate showcase by :Scale (Open Studio). An exhibition and networking event for architecture graduates and industry professionals

Can you hear it?

Friday 14 March 6pm to 8pm
A collaborative discussion by Home Grown Plus where architecture students and young professionals join together to debate shifting political, economic, and social factors shaping their industry

Sitting together

Saturday 15 March 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm
Practical building workshop by the London School of Architecture where young people aged 13 plus can test their carpentry and collaboration skills by working in teams to build their own furniture

Stepping stones

Friday 14 and Saturday 15 March 11am to 4pm
Find out about work experience programme for 16 to 18 year olds who can sign up for summer work placements with practices across the UK. Visitors can also see work created by students who have participated in October and February work experience placements organised by RIBA’s Learning team

The knowledge exchange

Saturday 15 March 11am to 4pm
Drop-in advice surgery by leading industry professionals where young people and architecture students meet industry leaders, find out about the many ways to get involved in shaping the built environment, and get advice on the benefits of mentoring

Taking up space: Shaping cultural spaces through co-design

Saturday 15 March 11am to 1pm, 2pm to 4pm - People's Pavilion
How to use co-design to shape our cultural spaces by Beyond the Box. Young people aged 12 to 25 can explore their role in shaping London’s spaces

Sustainable futures

Saturday 15 March 11am to 4pm
A collaborative build by Poor Collective. 16 to 25-year-olds can explore topics including climate change, social equity, mental health, and community solidarity to create an exhibition using recycled materials

Design your story: Portfolio workshop

Saturday 15 March, 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm
Delivered by the Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment, UCL, this workshop is designed for young people aged 16 to18 interested in pursuing higher education in architecture and the built environment. Gain practical advice and engage in hands-on activities, including quick model-making, photography, drawing, and composition techniques to showcase your creativity and document your design process to continue developing a portfolio that best represents you

AHMM Summer school: Collaborative drawing

Saturday 15 March 12pm to 2pm
A drop-in practical workshop for 16 to 18 year olds. Come and make a collaborative drawing using memory and place. The session will be led by alumni from AHMM’s annual summer school and you will also find out what it would be like to participate this year

Accelerate debates

Saturday 15 March 4pm to 6pm
A panel discussion by Open City where young people aged 17 plus come together to discuss the nature of teaching and constructive criticism in architectural education and practice

For students studying Part 1 or 2

RIBA Student bursaries and scholarship programme

Friday 14 March 2.30pm to 3pm
Join RIBA’s education team to learn more about the range of bursaries and scholarships that architecture students can apply for

young woman in head scarf enjoying table activity RIBA festival

Designing for learning: Collaborative spaces that inspire

Friday 14 March 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Join architects from Woods Bagot to discover the creative journey of designing a school library and a museum within an office tower that brings ideas to life through collaborations and engagement with learners, shaping a space that inspires learning and connection

mixed group of architectural students RIBA festival

Support while you study architecture

Friday 14 March 5pm to 7pm
Exhibition and advice workshop by The London Neighbourhood Scholarship Trust (LNS). GCSE and A-level students can meet LNS students and alumni to learn about their experience studying architecture and how the LNS has helped them work to the best of their ability

men and women focusing on computer screen RIBA festival

SEW+TELL

Friday 14 March 5.30pm to 6.30pm
Presentations by London School of Architecture students hosted by Freddie Jackson from Studio Egret West. An open forum discussion for architecture students to exchange their End of Year projects through five-minute presentations focused on the theme of Social Impact through architecture

storyboard by architectural student for RIBA festival

Graduate showcase

Friday 14 March 6pm to 8pm
Graduate showcase by :Scale (Open Studio). An exhibition and networking event for architecture graduates and industry professionals

Can you hear it?

Friday 14 March 6pm to 8pm
A collaborative discussion by Home Grown Plus where architecture students and young professionals join together to debate shifting political, economic, and social factors shaping their industry

storyboard by architectural student for RIBA festival

The knowledge exchange

Saturday 15 March 11am to 4pm
Drop-in advice surgery by leading industry professionals where young people and architecture students meet industry leaders, find out about the many ways to get involved in shaping the built environment, and get advice on the benefits of mentoring

Accelerate debates

Saturday 15 March 4pm to 6pm
A panel discussion by Open City where young people aged 17 plus come together to discuss the nature of teaching and constructive criticism in architectural education and practice

For professionals

Engage

Friday 14 March 4pm to 7pm
A series of ‘how to’ workshops by the Thornton Education Trust where industry professionals can learn how to engage with and inspire future generations to be ‘place-shapers’

Can you hear it?

Friday 14 March 6pm to 8pm
A collaborative discussion by Home Grown Plus where architecture students and young professionals join together to debate shifting political, economic, and social factors shaping their industry

How to deliver creative education

Saturday 15 March 12pm to 1pm
A practical workshop for design professionals, practitioners and students delivering learning activities. A fun, practical session led by Heatherwick studio, sharing tips, stories, and ideas of what works (and what hasn't) in delivering architectural and design focused learning

Accelerate debates

Saturday 15 March 4pm to 6pm
A panel discussion by Open City where young people aged 17 plus come together to discuss the nature of teaching and constructive criticism in architectural education and practice

We are delivering the Festival of the Future in partnership with Beyond the Box and other innovators within the built environment to empower people from all backgrounds to envision their future in architecture and the built environment.

Festival partners

Beyond The Box
Build The Way Internship
Accelerate
POoR Collective
Matt & Fiona
Black Females in Architecture
Archimake
Homegrown Plus
London Neighbourhood Scholarship Programme
:Scale
Thornton Education Trust
London School of Architecture
Future Architects

Festival sponsors

AHMM Ealing Council Good for Ealing ITM Vandersanden Woods Bagot

Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes said:

“This exciting partnership with RIBA and Beyond the Box will offer our residents the chance to attend the groundbreaking Festival of the Future and take a big step towards a career in architecture or other creative industries. The festival will help break down barriers by enabling people to access employment opportunities in the sector.

Ealing is a creative production powerhouse for the capital, and the creative sector already plays a huge role in our economy. As the home of Ealing Studios and the Marshall amp, and the nursery of British rhythm and blues, we have a proud history of nurturing creativity. There are over 3,000 creative businesses already in the borough, and with more start-ups arriving by the week, Ealing Council is committed to creating conditions where they can all thrive.

We have identified the creative sector as a key priority for further growth in our jobs and skills strategy, and we expect it to go from strength to strength in the coming years.”

keyboard_arrow_up To top