JRA participates in London Festival of Architecture Studio Lates 2025
As part of the London Festival of Architecture’s 2025 Studio Lates, John Robertson Architects hosted VOICES, where we were proud to present an exhibition centered around Inclusive Architecture. Focusing on accessibility, neurodiversity, and mental wellbeing, the event explored how design can move beyond compliance to become truly transformative. The exhibition challenged conventional approaches by blending practicality with beauty, engaging audiences in how the different buildings might be designed with and for diverse needs.
The evening featured talks from leaders in inclusive design: Gary Hopkins, Founder of I Love Coffee. Poppy Levison, member of the DisOrdinary Architecture Project and whose work to promote inclusive architecture has earned her a 2024 RIBA Journal Rising Star award, Chris Laing, an Architectural Designer, Inclusivity Consultant, and Founder of Signstrokes and Deaf Architecture Front (DAF), which launched at RIBA in 2023, and representatives from David Bonnett Associates, specialists in the provision of inclusive design within the commercial real estate sector. With a diverse and skilled team, DBA has worked across the City of London, including 22 Bishopsgate, 30 St Mary Axe, and 20 Fenchurch Street.
The exhibition showcases work by Chris Laing, David Bonnett Associates, and JRA. A bespoke light installation by Mark Hensman of EQ2 LIGHT: Light, Sound & Perception introduced a sensory layer to the exhibition. Part of EQ2 Light’s ongoing research, Light, Colour & Perception examined how light influences human interaction and wellbeing — both psychologically and physiologically. Contributions from Star Primary School highlight the importance of collaboration between designers and the local community, while also inspiring the next generation to imagine and build a more inclusive future.
“We would like to thank everyone for attending our LFA studio late. It was incredibly encouraging to see such strong attendance from right across the built environment. We’re confident that the breadth and depth of representation reflects a growing, shared recognition of the importance of accessibility in shaping the places we live, work, and enjoy.
Our level of engagement sends a clear signal: the industry not only recognises the challenges around accessibility but is actively committed to change. We’re looking forward to building on the lessons and lived experiences shared throughout our evening - and turning those insights into more equitable, inclusive, and accessible design outcomes in London and beyond.” – Nathalie Bergvall, Director at JRA.
