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Map of the Barbican Estate
The Barbican Estate was built from the ruins of Cripplegate (flattened during the Blitz). The estate was built between 1965-75, although discussions began in 1951.
The architectural firm was Chamberlin, Powell and Bon - Geoffry Powell (1920–1999), 'Joe' Chamberlin (1919–1978) and Christoph Bon (1921–1999). The estate mixes residential buildings with a public library, the Barbican Arts Centre, the Museum of London, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, the City of London School for Girls and a YMCA.
The residential buildings comprise of three towers - Cromwell (completed in 1973), Shakespeare (completed in 1976) and Lauderdale (completed in 1974) - and 13 terrace blocks (including Ben Jonson House, Defoe House, Gilbert House, amongst others).
The estate is effectively an arcology, raised up above street level to be a small village. The stark concrete is a dominant look, but this is softened by its textured surface, and the curves in the design itself. Despite (or perhaps, because) being a concrete landscape, the estate is surprisingly green - with various gardens, and an artificial lake (let alone the windowboxes of the apartments and maisonettes).
You Are Here
Map of the Barbican Estate
The Barbican Estate was built from the ruins of Cripplegate (flattened during the Blitz). The estate was built between 1965-75, although discussions began in 1951.
The architectural firm was Chamberlin, Powell and Bon - Geoffry Powell (1920–1999), 'Joe' Chamberlin (1919–1978) and Christoph Bon (1921–1999). The estate mixes residential buildings with a public library, the Barbican Arts Centre, the Museum of London, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, the City of London School for Girls and a YMCA.
The residential buildings comprise of three towers - Cromwell (completed in 1973), Shakespeare (completed in 1976) and Lauderdale (completed in 1974) - and 13 terrace blocks (including Ben Jonson House, Defoe House, Gilbert House, amongst others).
The estate is effectively an arcology, raised up above street level to be a small village. The stark concrete is a dominant look, but this is softened by its textured surface, and the curves in the design itself. Despite (or perhaps, because) being a concrete landscape, the estate is surprisingly green - with various gardens, and an artificial lake (let alone the windowboxes of the apartments and maisonettes).