London School of Architecture 2026 degree show features cultural artefact storehouse and river rights proposals
The 2026 degree exhibition, titled 'If Only We Will', has been launched by the London School of Architecture (LSA), showcasing works from its MArch Designing Architecture program. This exhibition reexamines the 1948 County of London Plan created by John Henry Forshaw and Sir Leslie Patrick Abercrombie to respond to contemporary issues. Notable projects include Anu Sofuyi's 'New Imaginaries of Resistance in the Suburban Ends', Elen Togher's proposal for river rights along the River Lea, and William Brooks' supported housing initiative in Bethnal Green. Additional projects address topics such as industrial displacement, flood resilience, mental health, school environments, greenbelt development, and community-led retrofitting. Furthermore, the LSA revealed its merger with the University of the Built Environment, in collaboration with Dezeen.
Key facts
- The London School of Architecture's 2026 degree show is titled 'If Only We Will'.
- The show reinterprets the 1948 County of London Plan by John Henry Forshaw and Sir Leslie Patrick Abercrombie.
- Anu Sofuyi's project proposes a storehouse for cultural artefacts in Preston, Brent, using 'hood futurism'.
- Elen Togher's project proposes river rights along the River Lea with a reed filtration network and river parliament.
- William Brooks' project proposes Hollybush Yard in Bethnal Green for care leavers.
- Thomas Simms' project 'Maker Commons' addresses displacement in Hackney Wick and Fish Island.
- Josie Tindale's project 'Time and Tide' responds to the projected failure of the Thames Barrier.
- The LSA has merged with the University of the Built Environment.
Entities
Artists
- Anu Sofuyi
- Elen Togher
- William Brooks
- Thomas Simms
- Josie Tindale
- Rachel Opie
- Gloria Hii
- Sam Wimbush
- Caspar Barker
- Alex Handy
- John Henry Forshaw
- Sir Leslie Patrick Abercrombie
- Nabil Al-Kinani
- Ruth Lang
Institutions
- London School of Architecture
- University of the Built Environment
- Dezeen
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Brent
- Preston
- Bethnal Green
- Hackney Wick
- Fish Island
- River Lea
- River Thames
- Kilburn
- Boundary Estate
Sources
- Dezeen —