Owen Hopkins paints a bleak, but frank, account of London’s contemporary architectural history.
‘Just look at the buildings that have gone up over recent years – they’re cheap, generic rubbish, put up to make money, not with a view to the contribution that architecture can make to a city... It’s all play-it-safe architecture. Where are the big bold expressions? Where’s the interest, the meaning, the fun in buildings?’ The architectural writer, historian and curator doesn’t hold back. And rightly so.
London has built ‘a characterless answer to the housing crisis’, and what exists today is a ‘narcissistic steel-and-glass megaliths of the city’, neatly described by Josh Sims for Luxury London
‘Just look at the buildings that have gone up over recent years – they’re cheap, generic rubbish, put up to make money, not with a view to the contribution that architecture can make to a city... It’s all play-it-safe architecture. Where are the big bold expressions? Where’s the interest, the meaning, the fun in buildings?’ The architectural writer, historian and curator doesn’t hold back. And rightly so.
London has built ‘a characterless answer to the housing crisis’, and what exists today is a ‘narcissistic steel-and-glass megaliths of the city’, neatly described by Josh Sims for Luxury London
First, let’s remember the architectural brilliance that exists in London, and feel inspired by some of the cities post-modern influences:
Building: The Green Community Centre
Architects: Architecture Studio AOC
Location: Southwark
Brick Inspiration: Classic Red in herringbone-pattern
Building: Tenement Block
Architects: Peter Baraber Architects
Location: Peckham Road, South London
Brick Inspiration:
Building: Shared Ownership Homes
Architects: Peter Baraber Architects
Location: Stratford, London
Brick Inspiration: , Victorian inspired back-to-back housing
Architectural Inspiration: 2020
Our time in isolation will no doubt change our cities skylines. The time to pause, and to be removed from routine, will see a widespread resurgence in creative, fresh design. Appreciating beauty, and designing for functionality and form, will be the awakening of our major cities. And it’s innovative, daring projects we are most proud to support.
Architectural Inspiration: Design & Material
There are many factors that make a building extra-ordinary. And we love that our bricks
are chosen for the countries most inspirational builds. Each of our brick collections are exclusive, and each of our bricks are unique. From elongated black Linear bricks, to white Unique beauties, our bricks are moulded to make a statement.
Either way, we have the right brick for every extra-ordinary project.
Helping Hands: Get In Touch
Since every build is unique, the best way for us to help is to hear a little more about your build. If you have a colour in mind, we can help find the exact tone and collection
Please get in touch!
chris.flynn@uk-brick.com
https://www.uk-brick.com/contact