The Social is a new London platform to encourage architects from different practices, small and large to meet and exchange experiences in a laid back environment, while also breaking down the sometimes negative perception of the profession as something 'a bit stuffy'. 

The Social aims to allow architects from all backgrounds to meet, exchange experiences of the profession and generally benefit from a wider circle of contacts. We also encourage attendees from associated design professions, such as product and furniture design and engineering.

Our events range from go-karting to life drawing and evening drinks to debates; they'll be fun and occasionally informative, but always worth the bother.  

The Social has been set up by architects for architects. Members of The Social Committee include: Graham Boyce - Fletcher Priest Architects and member of RIBA London Council; Amenity Space and Antonia Faust - RIBA London.  

Emails are checked on a regular basis and someone will get back to you within a couple of days (excluding major holidays).

 

The Social is back with a new series!

The Social started back up in September with a series of life drawing events in conjunction with the tutors from London Drawing|. These four drawing events aim to help you refresh your drawing skills and explore different mediums and techniques. Held at four different inspiring London locations, each session concentrates on a different way of capturing the human form. You can attend one session or as many as you like.

22 September @ Design Museum 7pm – 9pm: Attendees drew models around the inspiring exhibits of the Mariscal Exhibition|, using paper collage, 3-d cardboard representations and charcoal.

1 October @ Alsop Studio, Battersea 7pm -9pm: Attendees had a sneak preview into the working life of one of the UK's most celebrated architecture practices whilst getting creative in the painting studio. Drawing exercises included left and right handed drawing, drawing with both hands and not looking at the paper. 

8 October @ RIBA, 66 Portland Place 7pm - 9pm: Attendees focussed on the challenges of foreshortening, massing and weighting of the pose using more traditional techniques and materials.

22 October @ Doodle Bar, Battersea 7pm - 9pm: Draw on the walls, floor, anywhere you like, plus you can have a drink and catch up with people you've met at the other sessions, a great end to the series! (Max number 28).

Each drawing session is £15 per head, including materials. Bargain!

Down load a booking form, complete with payment details and email thesocial@inst.riba.org| or post with a cheque to RIBA London, 66 Portland Place, London W1B 1AD. 

Places will be awarded on a first come, first served basis.

 

Past Events:  

Architects Vs Planners

Over 50 people took up the challenge at this sell-out table-football tournament between architects and planners at Bar Kick in Shoreditch, in collaboration with the RTPI.

Following 86 gruelling matches skilfully refereed by Nicky and Tony of Amenity Space, the all-architect final comprised Donna Walker and Sam Dawkins against Salvatore Cialona and Valerio Sara. Congratulations go to Sam and Donna who snatched the title and were awarded with chocolate medallions and bottles of bubbly. Anyone feeling sore can console themselves with the fact that Donna plays for the women's England table football squad!

Bowling at Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes

60 architects and designers got their 'King Pin' on at Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes on Thursday 27 November. Mixed teams ensured that the representatives of Tom Dixon Studio, Ron Arad, Zaha Hadid, Foster + Partners and lots of smaller practices and sole practitioners had a chance to mix and mingle over beers and bowling scores.

FAT vs Alsop

This sell out event was a huge success. There was adrenalin overload as the competitive streak was exposed in even the most timid of characters. Thankfully the carts were electric so there was no danger of a petrol explosion, despite frequent collisions and 'black flags' (denoting - get off the track you are dangerous/rubbish/too fast). 

Charles Holland beat Will Alsop in the 5 lap head to head challenge and then went on to be victorious in the endurance race with three other team mates. The Architect's Journal| have the Alsop vs FAT highlights.