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Friday 25 October 2013

Architecture


London's most unusual architectural landmarks      
London is the capital of the UK and its biggest city by a mile. So, it’s no surprise that millions of tourists descend upon it every year. One of the main attractions is the plethora of architecture.

Everywhere you turn, you’ll be presented with examples of fantastic British architecture. Some is quite traditional, others a bit more out there. Some you’ll love and some you’ll hate.

If you plan on seeing the sights for yourself, here are some of London’s most unusual architectural landmarks.

Trellick Tower
This 31-storey block of flats is hardly the first piece of architecture to come to mind when thinking of London architecture. However, the brutal design by Erno Goldfinger has become something of a local landmark.

The high-rise used to have a reputation for crime, but since the 1980s when tenants were able to buy their flats, it’s become a much more desirable place to live. In fact, one of the apartments sold for close to half a million pounds.

It is now such a part of popular culture that it has featured in several television shows and music videos, including those by Blur and The Verve.

Battersea Power Station
It would be hard to do a list of London’s best architecture without including the upside-down table design of Battersea Power Station.

Despite not having been used for more than three decades, the infamous chimneys are still standing. However, the art-deco building is set for a £100m revamp, which will involve demolishing the originals and rebuilding them from scratch.

The site is set to be redeveloped into homes, offices, shops and a park, but the team behind the restoration are using the original architectural plans to ensure it retains its character.

Royal Albert Hall
Built in the late 1800s, the Royal Albert Hall was once described as a cross between the Coliseum and a Yorkshire Pie. However, it’s now considered one of the most notable buildings in London.

With 6 million red bricks and 80,000 blocks of terracotta, it’s a real tribute to Victorian architecture, complete with Victorian front doors.           

The Hall’s auditorium measures a huge 185 feet wide and 219 feet long – the glass dome and girders that cover the Hall, was once the world’s biggest structure of its kind.

11 comments:

Billy Blue Eyes said...

Seen the Albert hal a few times but never been in as with Battersea powerstation, the tower I have never heard of.

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

I've seen Trellick Tower many times but never knew its name. Thanks.

Adullamite said...

Trellick Tower is disgusting! Well it was when used by the council population in 1972! Now it's full of trendies.

So many good building, the power stations are interesting.

Lowell said...

A fascinating place and quite beautiful, architecturally!

Luis Gomez said...

Wonderful!

John said...

One of those iconic London buildings - though I have never been inside.

Sharon said...

You've listed some great options here. I was thinking of taking the Royal Albert Hall tour while I'm there. The last time I was in London we went to a concert there. I've only seen photos of Trellick Tower. I'll have to make a point of seeing that too. Florin Court is on my list too.

William Kendall said...

Ah, so that's the Royal Albert. I've seen concert footage from within, but never the exterior. I rather like it.

Angie said...

I went to see 'Satchmo' (Louis Armstrong)at the Albert Hall - long, long time ago!

Jack said...

That is quite an ornate structure, isn't it!

Sebastian said...

there are some pretty amazing buildings in London, the thing is there are actually many that are not famous at all, I think that London has been lessed with so many architects it has an amazing history for this as well

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