Ministry of Defence Main Building, Headquarters building in Westminster, United Kingdom
The main facade extends 790 feet (240 meters) along Whitehall, displaying Portland stone cladding with vertical window arrays. The ten-story structure encloses a central courtyard, combining functional office spaces with ceremonial areas. The architecture follows classical proportions while employing modern construction techniques of the postwar period.
Vincent Harris began planning in 1915 for the original Air Ministry, but construction was delayed until 1938. Work was interrupted by World War II and only completed in 1959. Following several organizational mergers, the structure became headquarters of the newly formed Ministry of Defence in 1964. English Heritage granted Grade I listing status in 2016.
The building houses administration of Britain's armed forces, coordinating defense policy and military operations for the United Kingdom. Its central location within the government district underscores the institution's importance in national security decisions and its connection to Parliament, the Foreign Office, and other ministries in the immediate vicinity.
The building is not open to the public but can be viewed externally from Whitehall. Westminster and Embankment Underground stations are within walking distance. Numerous bus routes run along Whitehall. Visitors can combine viewing the exterior architecture with other government buildings and monuments in the surrounding area.
The structure contains a communications tunnel linking it to other ministries and the House of Commons. The top floor houses a private terrace for senior officials with views across the Thames. Original plans called for two symmetrical towers, but only one was built due to cost constraints.
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