Design Your Dream Town at Farrell Centre’s Grand Opening Weekend
The much-anticipated Farrell Centre, Newcastle University’s innovative hub for cities and architecture, is opening its doors to the public on April 22. In celebration of its launch, the centre is hosting a weekend filled with engaging family-friendly events, including the chance for visitors to design their own dream town and contribute to a city skyline artwork.
At the heart of the event, local artist Sue Loughlin will guide aspiring city planners in creating an imaginary town on the floor of the centre’s Urban Rooms from 11 am to 2:30 pm on Saturday. With tape, stickers, and collage materials, visitors can contemplate the essential components of their ideal town and what would make it a fantastic place to call home.
Collaborate on a unique cityscape by illustrating the skyline from your perspective on the centre’s windows, using chalk pens to outline buildings, streets, trees, or even fleeting moments like birds or balloons. This evolving communal artwork will be accessible from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Don’t miss the More with Less exhibition, a showcase of four innovative architectural solutions addressing the climate emergency. Guided tours will be available at 11 am and 1:30 pm on Saturday and 1:30 pm on Sunday, offering insights into the architects and installations. On Sunday, visitors can also participate in large-scale free-hand knitting inspired by the exhibition, contributing to a growing knit sculpture.
As part of the centre’s talks programme launch, The Radical City panel will delve into urgent challenges facing urban life, including unaffordable housing, racial and social injustice, air pollution, and food supply issues. The panel, chaired by Farrell Centre Director Owen Hopkins, features esteemed experts like Dr. Alex Niven, Professor Simin Davoudi, architect Shankari Raj, and Northern Stage’s Kate Denby.
Named after acclaimed architect Sir Terry Farrell, a Newcastle University alumnus, the Farrell Centre is housed in a £4.6 million refurbished Victorian building on Eldon Place. Its mission is to promote innovative, engaging, and challenging discussions surrounding architecture and planning. The centre offers a public gallery, research hub, and community space, with a diverse range of events, exhibitions, workshops, and digital projects for visitors of all ages.
Join the Farrell Centre’s Opening Weekend:
Please note that the Radical City event is fully booked and is waiting list only.
- Date: April 22nd – 23rd
- Time: 10 am to 5 pm
- Location: The Sir Terry Farrell Building, Eldon Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RD
- For more information, visit https://www.farrellcentre.org.uk/
