Totally Stockholm 1
TAKE A PEEK Open House is Stockholm’s annual ‘thr
ough the keyhole’ moment, when we get to peer behind the doors that are usually closed. With over 60 venues, free tours and events, it’s our largest architecture festival. We’ve selected a few highlights we’re looking forward to seeing ourselves, and spoken to project coordinator Joanna Messmer. Words: Peter Steen-Christensen This October, the Open House Stockholm event is being held for the fourth time. It offers the opportunity to visit some of Stockholm’s unique buildings, places that are usually off limits. Best of all? It’s entirely free. Aligned to the objectives of the international Open House concept, the aim of the festival is to involve the public in discussions about the city’s development and growth, and stimulate interest in good architecture and the built environment. People generally agree on the importance of fostering public appreciation for architecture and public engagement in conversations about the future of the city. Open House aims to achieve this by empowering people with knowledge about the impact good design decisions can have on our built environment. It’s the fourth time you’re organising the Open House concept in Stockholm. How has the response been from the public, and is it easier for you to get access to more buildings as the festival gains a stronger foothold in the community? 12 The public loves the festival, and is very happy we arrange it. Through Open House, they have the possibility and opportunity to explore their own city. These direct experiences generate potential for people to engage in dialogue about the value of architecture and city planning, and share their knowledge. It creates space for everyone to exchange views, comment and engage in the discussion, a true dialogue. We get a lot of questions from exhibitioners who want to be a part of Open House Stockholm and we are very happy to see the interest growing every year. We also work together with the public and reach out to learn what objects they wish to visit. How would you pitch Open House to the ordinary person on the street, someone with just a moderate interest in architecture? It facilitates opportunities for a city’s inhabitants to experience architecture, to demonstrate that well-designed cities can improve people’s lives. Plus, it offers the opportunity to experience high-quality design across ages, styles, and typology, and enables understanding of the value of good design in its broadest sense. Offering free entry to all events enables as wide an audience as possible to participate regardless of age, gender, socio-economic level, level of education, or architectural expertise. Offering experiences and encouraging dialogue about architecture and urban design creates awareness that the public has a stake in the design, development and care of its city. The city is a ‘shared’ space that is co-created and the city’s inhabitants have the power to change the city’s development. Are the various Open House events completely independent or are there any particular things you need to comply with? The various Open House events are independent events and organizations. We are all part of the Open House family through the Open House World Wide Organiza