Journal •
Open House Europe: The Power of International Collaboration
At its heart, Open House has always been about connection and meaning between people, places, and ideas. With Open House Europe, this extends across borders, weaving together a network of architecture organisations and collectives, volunteers, and architecture enthusiasts from cities all over Europe. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, the project enriches not only local festivals but also the shared cultural fabric of Europe.
Open House Europe encourages people to look at the built environment in new ways and from new perspectives. It invites people to reflect on their surroundings and imagine the shared future of European architecture. The project strengthens bonds between professionals and the public, grounded in a common passion for the spaces in which we live, work and play. This spirit of curiosity and dialogue is what makes Open House more than a festival. It has grown since its first edition in London in 2003, into a platform for exchange, imagination, risk taking and community engagement.
A defining feature of the Open House Europe initiative is its commitment to international learning. Each year, volunteer exchanges are organised across partner cities, offering festival volunteers the chance to experience how different Open House festivals are run. Volunteers not only contribute directly to the success of these events, but also return home with valuable insights for their own local festivals. More than 60 volunteers took part in exchanges in 2024 alone, reflecting the enthusiasm and dedication of this community. As the lifeblood of Open House, volunteers drive the project forward, and these exchanges nurture a generation of informed, inspired ambassadors for architecture and cultural collaboration.
The Open House Europe Annual Summit provides another opportunity for international connection. This gathering brings together the Open House community and the public, for a programme of discussions, lectures, workshops, and tours. In 2023, Lisbon welcomed the first summit, kick-starting a dynamic exchange of ideas across Europe. The 2025 summit in Dublin focused on access and inclusion and brought delegates and enthusiasts together for a dynamic programme across the city. The next summit will take place in Athens in January 2026. With its rich architectural legacy and evolving urban landscape, Athens promises to provide a powerful backdrop for the next stage of the conversation. The Athens summit will also centre on Open House Europe’s shared theme for this year, Future Heritage. This idea challenges us to think beyond traditional notions of heritage and to ask what today’s communities want to preserve, adapt, and pass on for generations to come. Festivals this year have reflected on the role of contemporary design, sustainability, and cultural identity in shaping tomorrow’s built environment.
Being part of Open House Europe means being part of something bigger than any single festival. It is about celebrating architecture not only as an art form but also as a tool for dialogue, collaboration and connection. By working together, sharing our knowledge, and embracing differences, we can imagine a more open, inclusive, and sustainable architectural future for all Europeans.
Article by Karen Lee Walpole, Senior Manager Festivals and International at the IAF
