Brutalism is a bit bad, but our architectural tour was all about changing it – swapping out London's traditional sights for some specific beauties on our next visit. Here's how to get through the day with a whole new eye.
1。 South Shore Center
Most people stroll along London's south bank and visit the Tate Modern or Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, but there are plenty of other architectural promises during this time. Start at the Southbank Centre, a world-famous art destination, established in 1951 to celebrate British holidays. The site is home to several important venues, including the Royal Festival Hall, Hayward Gallery, and Queen Elizabeth Hall, all of which host a variety of events such as comedy stands, variety shows, musical performances, knowledge and education programs, and festivals.
Royal Festival Concert Hall
The Royal Festival Hall Auditorium, classified as Grade II listed, is the largest venue in the SouthBank Centre, providing seating for 2,500 people. The building's architects were Robert Matthew, supported by Leslie Martin and Peter Muro. Designed as a true landmark of British modernism, it has a bright white façade and huge glass that gives the building a relaxed, upbeat feel. The flowing spacious open interior is built around symmetrically placed staircases, particularly influenced by socialist Nordic design. The various foyers, bars and restaurants are uninhabited spaces open to all, and today were honoured with the building's radical "open foyer" policy, which allows the public to roam throughout the building seven days a week. The hotel offers free exhibitions, lunches and evening concerts, as well as a variety of study and conference spaces and a variety of bars.
Hayward Gallery
Hayward Gallery is one of the world's leading contemporary art galleries. Since its opening in the summer of 1968 and the exhibition by Henri Matisse, it has played a vital role in the works of some of the world's most important artists. It was recently closed for two years to restore the 66 glass pyramid roof lights, which were based on the sculptor Henry Moore's concept. The multi-billion pound refurbishment was completed in January 2018, hosting an exhibition of Andreas Gursky's major works.
Queen Elizabeth Hall
Queen Elizabeth Hall is currently closed for renovations but will reopen in 2018. However, the roof garden offers stunning views and is open daily in spring and summer and can be visited for free. Fun fact: You may notice an unusually placed "boat" at the top of Queen Elizabeth Hall. The "London Room" designed by Living Architecture can actually be left on occasion.
Before heading to the National Centre for the Performing Arts and many on-site restaurants, there are plenty of food trucks along the riverbank for a low-key lunch or pre-show snacks. For something a little special, and a great view of the River Thames, try Skylon, which offers typical seasonal British dishes.
2。 National Centre for the Performing Arts
The National Centre for the Performing Arts, designed by architect Denys Lasdun, has separated public opinion since it opened in 1976. In 2001, a Broadcast Times poll showed that Denys Lasdun's buildings were in the top five of the most popular and beloved British buildings. As a neighbor to the SouthBank Centre, the theater may look like a chunk of concrete on the surface, but once you discover the attention to detail and groundbreaking approach to construction behind it, you'll realize its beauty. To truly understand why the National Theatre is an important symbol of Fauvism, take part in a "Concrete Reality" architectural tour.
3。 Macadam and Strand Buildings at King's College London
Crossing the Waterloo Bridge, it's worth stopping and gazing at king's college's Macadam building, built by Troup, Steele, and Scott, with ED Jefferiss Mathews as advisor. Construction began in 1972 and took three years to complete. The Surrey Street building houses the King's College Student Union, which has six floors above the two podiums.
Just around the corner, The Strand is the little-known Strand Building, which is part of the Academy. The 1970s building was recently involved in a number of controversial plans to knock down four adjacent period properties in order to make way for a new school building that would be "integrated" with The Fauvist building.
4。 Salters'Hall
Once here, you can stroll leisurely for half an hour along Fleet Street, the former home of london's newspapers, passing the Royal Court and St. Paul's Cathedral, before heading to Cheapside and the London Wall. The old Sartus corporate headquarters on Fore Street, built by Basil Spence, is a very rare example of post-war uniform architecture and was completed in 1972. Known for its unique ribbed and synthetic concrete, the hall is now listed as a Grade II listed building and was recently renovated by architect De Metz Forbes Knight, who received planning permission for the £85,000 project.
5。 Barbican Centre and real estate
Best preserved until the end, you can't miss the Grade II protected Barbican Centre, which is one of the largest multi-art and convention venues in Europe and one of london's most barbaric examples of architecture. It was developed by architects Chamberlain, Powell and Bon as part of a utopian vision to transform the bombed london area during World War II. It took more than a decade to build and be opened by the Queen in 1982, who declared it "one of the modern wonders of the world".
Its stunning space is located in the heart of Barbican Manor, making it an internationally recognized venue, nestled in a cityscape considered one of the most important architectural achievements of the 20th century. The best way to get around Barbican And surrounding estates is to book a 90-minute walking tour of Barbican. Strolling along high walkways, elevated gardens, and three-storey high-rise towers, you'll learn more about the manor's architecture, design, and impact, as well as surprising and rare sights and discoveries, as well as lesser-known insights into this unique architectural undertaking.