A new theatre has risen from the ashes of Charing Cross Road’s once-infamous Astoria venue. Theatre owner Nica Burns and Derwent CEO Paul Williams share how theatricality and glamour has melded with AHMM’s modern architecture to create a contemporary hub for the West End. The 600 seat auditorium, designed in collaboration with AHMM by Haworth […]
Perhaps best described as a concrete wall with a split personality disorder, an on-site fire house for Swiss mega-brand Vitra exploded the myth that Zaha Hadid’s experimental image-making was unsuited to translation into built work. A sharp, trapezoidal marquee hoisted on spindly pilot is points the way towards the primary pedestrian entrance on the long […]
Sarah Featherstone explains how a modest community building in Grangetown, Cardiff, challenges the way we define and measure value and shows how universities can partner with local residents to facilitate community-led projects. Familiar forms, such as pitched roofs and a perforated steel screen whose pattern was designed by local young people, capture the richness of […]
Encasement explores how bespoke column casings can improve the aesthetics and performance of transport hubs. In association with Circa column casings at Gatwick Airport South Terminal Whether it’s an airport, train station or bus terminus, transport hubs are usually places that travellers want to pass through with ease and speed, with little time or interest […]
Ben Hancock of Oscar Acoustics answers readers’ questions. Acoustic spray was applied to the concrete slabs of Herbal House in London as part of an office refurbishment scheme by TP Bennett What is acoustic design and why is it important? Acoustic design is the fine tuning of sound for a specific interior space. While architects […]
Studio Weave’s extension to Lea Bridge Library, in Waltham Forest, achieved with the help of the GLA, caters for a growing, diverse community. WordsJason SayerPhotographyJim Stephenson “You used to have to wear thick shoes here,” says Je Ahn, pointing at the ground. “It used to be full of needles and nasty objects – it wasn’t […]
Designers and investors are driving a step change in the provision of innovative high-quality projects in the third-age housing sector. Local authorities need to catch up, says Ballymore creative director Roger Black. The renewed interest in architectural housing solutions for senior people is great to see, and the wonderful John Morden Centre by Mae Architects is […]
Hotels, restaurants, gyms and sports facilities would probably be less attractive and welcoming places without decorative column casings. But the beauty of these elements goes beyond the purely aesthetic, as Peterborough-based specialist Encasement explains. In association with Forma square casings at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire While it’s widely acknowledged that a key benefit […]
BDP’s skilful reworking of Leighton House has breathed new life into one of London’s forgotten museums, the former home of artist Frederic Leighton. Rear elevation showing new brick staircase, glazed cafe and refurbished winter studio (ph: Jaron James) BDP has completed the restoration and refurbishment of Grade II* listed Leighton House Museum in London. The […]
Stuart Nicholson, roof systems director at Marley, explores how closer supply chain collaboration and an improved understanding of renewable technologies can help drive the sustainability agenda for architects and tackle domestic energy costs. In association with The journey to 2050 net zero is underway and political leaders have clearly signposted the direction of travel. Part […]
The much-loved South London icon is finally set to be open to the public (for real this time) welcoming visitors into its WilkinsonEyre-refurbished insides on October 14th. Aerial view looking southwest. Credit Jason Hawkes. Sir Giles Gilbert Scott is an architect who has birthed London three icons: the red telephone box, Bankside power station, and […]
Eric Parry Architects has given a new lease of life to the Grade II* listed St John’s church in Waterloo, which only just survived the Blitz. “Where’s the church?” questioned the King — King George VI that is — in 1950 when touring the construction site that was Waterloo and Southbank, soon to be home to […]