dormakaba hosts second edition of architectural summit in London
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Held on June 2 and 3 at the art´otel London Battersea Power Station, the architects connect 2025 summit brought together international architects and industry leaders to explore new solutions and strategic directions for a future-oriented approach to architecture and urban planning. The event is a partnership between dormakaba, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and The RIBA Journal.
“Architects connect is a powerful platform for advancing dialogue around the evolving role of architecture in society. This year´s focus on ‘Spaces of Trust’ invites the global architectural community to reflect on how we design environments that balance the need for security with the fundamental value of freedom. It’s an opportunity to exchange ideas, foster innovation, and collectively shape more inclusive and resilient spaces,” says Daniel Schepers, DVP Marketing Communications at dormakaba.
Event highlights
The event started with an informal dinner at the JOIA Restaurant, art´otel London Battersea Power Station, allowing attendees to network and share ideas. The second day featured keynotes and interactive sessions on the theme “Spaces of Trust: Rethinking the Balance of Freedom & Security in Architecture.” Topics included societal and psychological impacts, as well as sessions with government security experts.
Keynote speakers included:
- Aljan de Boer, Head of Inspiration at TrendsActive, discussing the impact of security and surveillance on society.
- James Timberlake, Founding Principal of KieranTimberlake, presenting a case study on the American Embassy, London.
- Jenny Radcliffe, The People Hacker, discussing “natural lines of drift.”
The sessions were moderated by Eleanor Young, Editor of The RIBA Journal, and Aljan de Boer, Head of Inspiration at TrendsActive.
The summit included leading international architects such as:
- Orlando Baghaloo (studioNWA)
- Christopher Burton (BDP)
- Paola Cattarin (Zaha Hadid Architects)
- Kirsten Lees (Paris studio Grimshaw)
- Steve McCloy (McCloy + Muchemwa)
- Caroline Mills (Populous)
- Marcus Morichetto (Sweco Architects)
- Kossy Nnachetta (FieldenCleggBradley Studios)
- Ed Parham (Space Syntax)
- Markus Pfisterer (GMP)
- Sebastien Ricard (WilkinsonEyre)
- Valentina Roj (Progetto CMR)
- Alex Soto (StudioNWA)
- Duncan Swinhoe (Gensler)
- James Timberlake (KieranTimberlake)
- Matt Wilkinson (AL_A)
- Chris Williamson (WW+P Architects)
Located in the eclectic Battersea neighborhood, the art´otel London Battersea Power Station´s bold and avant-garde design, courtesy of award-winning artist and designer Jaime Hayon, provided an inspiring setting for the event.
Looking ahead
The architects connect summit is an annual event. Future editions will continue to support architects in their projects and foster innovation and collaboration within the architectural community. The event will rotate globally to connect different markets and cultures.
| Further information for: | |
| Media | |
| Patrick Lehn | |
| Press Officer | |
| T: +41 44 818 92 86 | |
| patrick.lehn@dormakaba.com |