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Building Utopia: A Vision of the Barbican Centre

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Building Utopia: The Barbican Centre

by Nicholas Kenyon

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	51572 KB
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Print length	:	416 pages

An Exterior View Of The Barbican Centre, A Brutalist Concrete Complex In London Building Utopia: The Barbican Centre

The Barbican Centre is a cultural complex in the City of London, England. It consists of a concert hall, a theatre, two cinemas, an art gallery, a library, and a conservatory. It was designed by the architectural firm Chamberlin, Powell and Bon, and was built between 1965 and 1982. The Barbican Centre is a Grade I listed building, and is considered to be one of the most important examples of Brutalist architecture in the world.

The History of the Barbican Centre

The Barbican Centre was built on the site of a former slum clearance area. The site was acquired by the City of London Corporation in 1956, and a competition was held to design a new cultural complex for the area. The competition was won by the architectural firm Chamberlin, Powell and Bon, and their design was approved by the City of London Corporation in 1962.

The construction of the Barbican Centre began in 1965, and the first phase of the complex, which included the concert hall, the theatre, and the art gallery, was opened in 1971. The second phase of the complex, which included the cinemas, the library, and the conservatory, was opened in 1982.

The Architecture of the Barbican Centre

The Barbican Centre is a Brutalist concrete complex, and is characterized by its use of raw concrete, geometric forms, and repetitive patterns. The complex is made up of a series of interconnected towers and walkways, which create a labyrinthine effect. The buildings are clad in precast concrete panels, which are decorated with a variety of geometric patterns.

The Barbican Centre was designed to be a self-contained community, and it includes a variety of amenities for residents, including shops, restaurants, and a health centre. The complex also has its own underground car park, which is located beneath the Barbican Estate.

The Barbican Centre Today

The Barbican Centre is one of London's most popular cultural destinations, and it attracts over 1 million visitors each year. The complex hosts a wide variety of events, including concerts, plays, exhibitions, and films. The Barbican Centre is also home to the Barbican Conservatory, which is one of the largest conservatories in the UK.

The Barbican Centre is a unique and iconic building, and is a testament to the vision of the architects Chamberlin, Powell and Bon. The complex is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and it is a vital part of London's cultural landscape.

* [The Barbican Centre website](https://www.barbican.org.uk/) * [Chamberlin, Powell and Bon: The Barbican Centre](https://www.architectural-review.com/buildings/chamberlin-powell-and-bon-the-barbican-centre) * [The Barbican Centre: A Brutal Masterpiece](https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2014/feb/16/barbican-centre-brutalism-architecture-julian-harrap)

Building Utopia: The Barbican Centre

by Nicholas Kenyon

4.7 out of 5