December: Open House festivals in Lagos and Tirana

G.A.S. Lagos Building, photo by Andrew Esiobo

OPEN HOUSE LAGOS
LAGOS, NIGERIA
10 & 16 DECEMBER

Open House Lagos is back with a difference. This year’s edition, ‘New Directions in Nigerian Design,’ takes place over two weekends. On 10 December, learn about the Irish contribution to Tropical Modernism at a screening of Build Something Modern. A conversation with Lisa Godson, whose research inspired the documentary, will follow. Then, on 16 December, join OHL for tours of two notable examples of Tropical Modernism. After the daytime tours, the festival concludes with a discussion about Nigerian design with artists, product designers, and architects at GAS Foundation, followed by a special celebration.

Palácio Sinel de Cordes Lisbon, photo by FG+SG Fotografia de Arquitectura

OPEN HOUSE EUROPE ANNUAL SUMMIT
LISBON, PORTUGAL
15-16 DECEMBER

Lisbon Architecture Triennale is hosting the first Annual Summit of Open House Europe, an international cooperation project co-funded by the European Union. The summit will feature a Public Programme on December 15–16 related to this year's theme, Building Futures Together, focusing on sustainable practices in our built environment. The Annual Summit is a gathering of the community of Open House festival organisers, architecture enthusiasts, students, and professionals. It aims to facilitate cross-regional exchange, bringing together perspectives and expertise from diverse fields of knowledge.

Skanderbeg Square, photo courtesy of Open House Tirana.

OPEN HOUSE TIRANA
TIRANA, ALBANIA
18-20 DECEMBER

The first edition of Open House Tirana invites residents and visitors alike to step inside a wide range of structures, including more than 40 private homes, government buildings, cultural institutions, and architectural landmarks. Uncover the historical significance of Toptani House, a 19th-century gem encapsulating the transition from rural to urban living. Explore the Former Parliament of Albania witness to the nation's political evolution and cultural shifts. Visit the transformed Former Hotel "Dajti," now the National Bank of Albania's headquarters, echoing the city's history from a dictatorial regime to a democratic resurgence. And much more.