Tag Archives: Architecture

Leicester University Engineering Building – Leicester

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Leicester University Engineering Building – Leicester
Construction: 1959-1963
Architects: James Stirling & James Gowan

Unusually for a building featured on this site, the exterior of Stirling and Gowan’s construction is primarily covered in red brick and tile. While the materials may be traditional, the structure is anything but. There are plenty of interesting features – two lecture theatres project outwards from the main body, a staircase spirals up inside a glass tube, and at the rear ribbon windows angle outwards from the top in a way similar to those of the nearby Attenborough Tower. Rising above all this, the main tower is an expanse of steel and glass. The building, which is still well used, was grade II* listed in 1993.

Elizabeth House – Leicester

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Elizabeth House – Leicester
Construction: 1976-1979
Architect: John Middleton

After leaving Leicester railway station you are immediately greeted by the sight of this handsome tower. The understated raw grey of Elizabeth House stands in sharp contrast to the gaudy blue of  nearby St Georges Tower, which was quite a looker before it was clad.

Bewick Court – Newcastle

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Bewick Court – Newcastle
Construction: 1970
Architect: Taylor Woodrow Construction

With its original concrete skin covered in plastic cladding, I’m not sure that the look of this building appeals to anyone. It is notable, however, for its position astride John Dobson Street. The tower, along with a small piazza, sit atop a concrete platform spanning the four lane road. A network of raised walkways connect the platform with several neighbouring buildings and the square behind Pearl Assurance House. This is a small part of the now faded dream of a pedestrianised city, raised on concrete above the noisy and polluted road network.

Kingsgate Bridge and Dunelm House – Durham

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Kingsgate Bridge and Dunelm House – Durham
Construction: 1963/1965
Architect: Architect’s Co-Partnership & Ove Arup

Kingsgate bridge, designed by Ove Arup, connects Durham Cathedral to the Architect’s Co-Partnership designed Dunelm House, which was opened two years later. Arup was also structural engineer on the Dunelm House project and the great man in commemorated by a head and plaque on the side of the building.

Pearl Assurance House – Newcastle

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Pearl Assurance House – Newcastle
Construction: ?
Architect: T P Bennetts

I couldn’t find much information on this one, thanks to @scam_ne for the designer but if you know a construction date get in touch. It’s a stumpy slab sat at one end of a three storey podium. The two are connected by a thin glazed neck, which is one of the building’s more interesting features, and one which gives a lighter feeling to the structure. The windows are recessed slightly into the rough grey concrete cladding. the lower ground floor is inhabited by various shops, the upper floors are given over to office space. While not the finest example of brutalism, it has a quiet dignity, standing aloof above the bustling crowds of central Newcastle. That dignity is threatened however by the potential of a poly carbonate cladding around the crown of the slab. A ridiculous idea, obviously. The attraction of modernism is simplicity, clean lines, and lack of ornament. Flashy gimmickry such as this strips the style of what makes it great, while in no way placating those who despise it, who will make claims of turd polishing.

Park Tower Hotel – London

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Park Tower Hotel – London
Construction: 1973
Architect: Richard Seifert & Partners

One of the things I love about London is the jumble of contrasting architectural styles. While every style may not be to my personal taste, I think the whole gains from this heterogeneity. A great example of this lack of sympathy is the Park Tower Hotel, a charmingly irreverent brutalist gem nestled amongst the grand historic buildings of Knightsbridge. It is interesting to speculate what might have been, as the original plans for the structure were rejected for not fitting in sufficiently well with the surroundings.
The building takes the form of a squat 14 storey cylindrical tower, sitting atop a small podium. Protruding splayed windows give the tower a knobbly appearance. The concrete has a slight sandy tint and the black window frames provide a nice contrast to this. A further contrast can be found between the austere concrete exterior of the building and the sumptuous interior, which features extravagant flourishes such as chandeliers, wood panelling, and marble bathrooms. But, if you are the type to pay £450-£3,200 per night, you probably expect this kind of luxury rather than a spartan modernist interior. I know which I prefer.