logo
CURATED ATLAS FOR CONTEMPORARY DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE
ContactAbout
(London, United Kingdom)(Architecture)(Architecture Directory)2024-09-24

Barbican Centre

The Barbican Centre is a world-class arts and cultural venue in London, offering a range of performances, exhibitions, films, and concerts. Located in the heart of the Barbican Estate, it is home to the London Symphony Orchestra and hosts a variety of contemporary and classical arts events. The brutalist architecture of the building itself is an iconic part of the experience.

CREDITS

Text by the Barbican Centre, Photos by Max Colson, Jerry Young, Joas Souza

The design of the Barbican Centre reflects the brutalist movement, which embraced rugged, unfinished materials, primarily exposed concrete (often referred to as béton brut) as a structural and aesthetic element. The architects aimed to create a multi-use space that would offer a sense of community and culture within the urban environment. This is evident in the Centre’s sprawling layout, where the performing arts venues are integrated with residential towers, gardens, and public plazas.
The design of the Barbican Centre reflects the brutalist movement, which embraced rugged, unfinished materials, primarily exposed concrete (often referred to as béton brut) as a structural and aesthetic element. The architects aimed to create a multi-use space that would offer a sense of community and culture within the urban environment. This is evident in the Centre’s sprawling layout, where the performing arts venues are integrated with residential towers, gardens, and public plazas.

The Barbican Centre, located in the City of London, is one of the largest multi-arts and conference venues in Europe. Opened in 1982, it is renowned for its striking brutalist architecture and serves as a hub for international and local performances, exhibitions, and cultural events. The Centre is home to several iconic institutions, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Barbican Theatre, and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

A visit to the Barbican offers a diverse range of experiences, from classical concerts, modern art exhibitions, and cutting-edge cinema to dance, theatre, and talks. Its expansive layout includes concert halls, theatres, galleries, cinemas, and even a conservatory, one of London's hidden green spaces. The Barbican’s programming consistently brings together avant-garde and traditional art forms, appealing to a wide audience.

The building’s design is a prime example of 20th-century brutalist architecture, with bold, exposed concrete structures and large interior spaces. Its unique design both contrasts with and complements the surrounding residential Barbican Estate, offering a distinct atmosphere that has made it a cultural landmark.

Beyond its arts programming, the Barbican also houses several cafes, restaurants, and spaces for socializing, making it a lively destination at any time of the day.

The architects were inspired by the idea of creating a "city within a city." The Barbican Estate, of which the Centre is a part, is an ambitious, self-contained complex featuring everything from homes and schools to cultural venues, all within a pedestrianized zone. Elevated walkways, or "highwalks," connect different parts of the estate, allowing visitors to navigate the area without encountering road traffic. This design concept aimed to foster a balance between urban life and tranquillity.
The architects were inspired by the idea of creating a "city within a city." The Barbican Estate, of which the Centre is a part, is an ambitious, self-contained complex featuring everything from homes and schools to cultural venues, all within a pedestrianized zone. Elevated walkways, or "highwalks," connect different parts of the estate, allowing visitors to navigate the area without encountering road traffic. This design concept aimed to foster a balance between urban life and tranquillity.
1/8
cursor
The Centre is a maze of interlocking spaces, featuring sharp angles, cantilevered balconies, and rectangular lines. The angular layout contrasts with the more organic elements of the complex, such as the lakes and gardens.
The Centre is a maze of interlocking spaces, featuring sharp angles, cantilevered balconies, and rectangular lines. The angular layout contrasts with the more organic elements of the complex, such as the lakes and gardens.

Info

Address

Barbican Centre, Silk Street

EC2Y 8DS, London, United Kingdom

Opening Hours

Monday–Saturday: 9 AM –11 PM
Sunday: 11 AM – 11 PM

Website
article related
(London, United Kingdom)(Architecture)(Architecture Directory)2024-08-10

Lloyd's building

The Lloyd's Building in London, designed by Richard Rogers and completed in 1986, is famous for its "inside-out" design. With its exposed elevators and ducts on the exterior, it exemplifies high-tech architecture and has become a modern landmark in the city's financial district.

(Paris, France)(Architecture)(Architecture Directory)2024-07-22

Les Espaces d’Abraxas

Located just outside Paris in Noisy-le-Grand, Espaces d'Abraxas is a monumental residential complex designed by the renowned architect Ricardo Bofill. Socially however, Abraxas spaces are considered a failure, including by their architect, due to numerous problems of unsafe conditions.

(Paris, France)(Architecture)(Architecture Directory)2024-07-22

Aillaud Towers

The Aillaud Towers, located in Nanterre, France, are a distinctive group of residential high-rise buildings designed by architect Émile Aillaud. Completed in the early 1970s, the towers are notable for their colorful, abstract façade designs and unique cylindrical shapes.