London’s ever-growing annual architecture festival closed today and this year we’ve seen a hefty programme of talks, exhibitions, installations, cycle rides and film screenings all loosely based around the central theme of ‘Capital’ (in its financial, cultural and geographical sense). One of the highlights of this year’s festival has been the focus on architectural installations by relatively younger practices intended to spark discussion about the future of our city.

German-Chilean practice GUN Architects have built a public pavilion, Rainforest, in Bedford Square, which you can see until 19 July. The striking icicle-like structures gently drip water, creating a mini-rainforest in the centre of London, complete with pools, plants and raindrops. The practice responds to the challenge of building in Chilean heat by making water part of their architecture. 

GRUPPE’s House of Muses installation, a commission for the Museum of London, will be on display outside the museum until 21 September. With its name deriving from the Greek origin of the word Museum and a viewing platform over the streets below, this work invites visitors to leave their thoughts on what a public museum should be.

The new exhibition, Bridge, at the Museum of London Docklands is now open and runs until the 2 November. The panoramas of London afforded by its bridges are hugely significant for your sense of being in a city. The exhibition explores how bridges have been a source of artistic inspiration, and have formed our urban identities.

The William Kent exhibition is in its final weeks, so it’s your last chance to catch this retrospective on Georgian polymath, William Kent. The exhibition documents his role in creating the British design aesthetic the Georgian age has since become known for. Kent’s influence can be seen all over London, from the Horse Guards building in Whitehall to Chiswick House and 44 Berkeley Square. As impressive are his landscape, interior and furniture designs, which are included in the exhibition.