Barbican Estate, Brutalist skyscraper in City of London, United Kingdom
Description
Barbican Estate is a residential complex in the brutalist style made of exposed concrete in central London, spanning several hectares and ranging from low-rise housing blocks to three tall towers. Raised concrete walkways connect the buildings and pass over planted levels divided by water features and terraces.
History
The site lay in ruins for years after German air raids during World War II, until the city decided to build a new residential neighborhood here. Work began in the mid-1960s and stretched over more than a decade as the architects tried to combine dense development with public open spaces.
Culture
The name derives from a medieval watchtower that once guarded the Roman city wall at this spot. Today people from many countries live here, walking to work along the elevated paths or strolling through the communal gardens between the courtyards.
Practical
The raised walkways can feel confusing at first as they branch in different directions and shift between levels. A walk along the waterways and through the planted courtyards helps to understand how the buildings are arranged.
Did you know?
A small glasshouse inside holds tropical trees and plants that grow up to the glass roof and create a surprisingly humid atmosphere between the concrete forms. Some of the koi carp in the artificial lake date back to the first years after opening and have now reached a notable age.
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This collection presents significant architectural works from different periods and continents. From medieval cathedrals to contemporary skyscrapers, the selection documents the technical and aesthetic development of building design. The listed buildings were created by influential architects and...
Brutalist architecture emerged in the decades following World War II, producing buildings that challenged conventional design through their honest expression of materials and function. From Le Corbusier's Unité d'Habitation in Marseille to Louis Kahn's National Assembly in Dhaka, these structures...
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This restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes that cater to various tastes. The service is prompt and friendly, ensuring a satisfying dining experience.
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