(London, United Kingdom)(Architecture)(Architecture Directory)2024-07-08
Guide to London
From Brutalist icons you may already know, like the Barbican Centre to modernist marvels like the Hauer-King House, to lesser known museums such as the Georgian townhouse turned work-of-art of Kenyan-Artist Khadambi Asalache – this guide is a starting off point to the rich design and architecture offering of London.
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.
2 Willow Road
2 Willow Road in Hampstead, London, is a modernist house designed by the renowned architect Ernő Goldfinger in 1939. The structure features clean, geometric lines, flat roofs, and large windows. Built with reinforced concrete and brick, the house integrates natural light through its open-plan interiors and extensive use of glass, offering a striking contrast to the surrounding traditional Victorian homes.
The Thematic House
The Thematic House, also known as the Cosmic house, designed by the late Charles Jencks, is a distinctive example of his visionary approach to architecture. Known for his explorations of cosmic and cultural themes, Jencks infused the building with a unique blend of sculptural forms and symbolic design elements. The house stands out in London’s architectural landscape with its imaginative facade and thoughtful integration of thematic concepts.
575 Wandsworth Road
575 Wandsworth Road is a Georgian terraced house in London, renowned for its unique interior craftsmanship by Kenyan-born artist Khadambi Asalache.
Kew Garden Greenhouse
Kew Gardens, located in London, is one of the world's most renowned botanical gardens. Spanning over 300 acres, it houses more than 50,000 different plant species, making it a key center for plant conservation and scientific research. Highlights include the iconic Palm House, Temperate House, and the Treetop Walkway, offering stunning views of the gardens.
Sir John Soane's Museum
The Sir John Soane's Museum in London is a remarkable example of neoclassical architecture, designed by the renowned architect Sir John Soane himself. Located in Lincoln’s Inn Fields, the museum is a fusion of three townhouses, which Soane transformed into a unique space to house his vast collection of art, antiquities, and architectural models.
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.
Page Street Housing
Page Street Housing, located in Westminster, London, is a remarkable example of early 20th-century modernist architecture. Designed by the architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in the 1920s, the housing block showcases the bold geometric lines and minimal ornamentation typical of the modern movement.
Housden House
Housden House, located in Hampstead, London, is a striking example of modernist residential architecture designed by architect Brian Housden in the 1960s. Inspired by Le Corbusier's principles, the house features an open-plan layout, floor-to-ceiling windows, and exposed concrete, all contributing to its minimalist yet bold aesthetic.
Alexandra Road Estate
The Alexandra Road Estate in Camden, London, is a striking example of Brutalist architecture designed by Neave Brown in the 1960s. Its distinctive ziggurat-style terraces, built in concrete, create a cascading effect, providing each apartment with generous outdoor spaces. The estate was designed with a focus on community, featuring interconnected walkways, communal gardens, and integrated public spaces.
Isokon Flats
Isokon Flats, also known as Lawn Road Flats and the Isokon building, on Lawn Road in the Belsize Park district of the London Borough of Camden, is a reinforced-concrete block of 36 flats, designed by Canadian engineer Wells Coates for Molly and Jack Pritchard.
