Every month architects and industry insiders share their recommendations for the best exhibitions and events to visit in Brighton and Hove. Views expressed on this page are those of the author, and may not reflect those of the editors of the Architecture Diaries.
THIS MONTH:
Sharon Le Goff
Sharon joined ECE Architecture in 2013, bringing a diverse background in mixed-use rural building conversions and extensions, residential urban regeneration and bespoke residential schemes.
Sharon is committed to promoting well-being in the workplace, having been an active part in developing Mental Health support and EDI across the practice. She is also an active member of Women in Construction Sussex (WiCS), a group within ECE dedicated to encouraging a supportive network for women in the industry. WiCS empowers women at all stages of their careers through events, panel discussions, and workshops that celebrate achievements in construction and architecture. By showcasing female role models and driving conversations around inclusion, the group aims to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in a field that has long been male-dominated.
A Time for Connection
As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, it’s time to take every opportunity to step outside and engage with the built environment and each other.
Women in Construction: Get Women Up to Par!
One standout event coming up is the Women in Construction Sussex golf taster day, designed to help more women feel confident on the course. Golf days have long been a staple of business networking, yet they remain overwhelmingly male-dominated. This initiative is about breaking down that barrier – giving women the opportunity to learn the game in a relaxed and supportive environment. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just looking to sharpen your skills, this event is about more than just golf; it’s about gaining confidence, increasing inclusivity, and making sure women feel comfortable stepping onto the green.
Exploring Brighton’s Architectural Evolution This Spring
Spring is the perfect time to explore Brighton’s rich architectural landscape, uncovering how design has shaped the city’s identity over centuries. The Royal Pavilion’s Basement and Tunnel Tours continue in March, now joined by the Walking Tour of the Royal Pavilion Estate, offering a unique insight into its transformation from a modest farmhouse into the ground-breaking Indo-Saracenic palace we see today. More than just a statement of style, the Pavilion symbolises Brighton’s rapid shift from a small fishing town to a fashionable seaside destination – a shift echoed in the later development of Brunswick Town.
While Brunswick Town tours begin in late spring, the Regency Society’s ‘Brunswick Town at 200’ talk sets the stage for understanding one of Britain’s earliest master planned urban estates. With its cohesive architectural identity and influence on later Regency and Victorian developments, Brunswick Town highlights the power of planning in shaping communities.
A century later, design trends continued to evolve, and mid-century modernism brought a new wave of innovation. The Hove Museum’s talk on modernism explores how this sleek, minimalist aesthetic, is experiencing a revival today. Just like the Pavilion and Brunswick Town, mid-century modernism was born from cultural exchange, technological advancements, and a desire to break from the past.
These distinct architectural styles – Indo-Saracenic grandeur, Regency urban planning, and modernist minimalism – are all connected by their bold responses to changing societies and global influences. At its heart, architecture is about people – how we interact with the spaces around us and how we, as an industry, collaborate to shape the built environment. By reflecting on past trends, we can better understand the forces that shape design today and into the future.
So, this spring, let’s embrace every opportunity to explore, learn, and engage in the conversations shaping our industry’s future.
