London is known for its dramatic skyline, with everything from modern skyscrapers to historic medieval towers. But there’s also a massive diversity in architecture in London.
At the Houses of Parliament, Gothic Revival architecture in London has never looked more awe-inspiring
The Houses of Parliament is a Gothic Revival masterpiece. The building is so magnificent that it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
The Palace of Westminster is home to both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, making it an ideal place to see England’s history come alive.
The Belfry of Battersea – London’s forgotten bell tower
The Belfry of Battersea is a bell tower in London, built by a local man named Henry Hunt (1810-1889). He was more than just a clock-maker; he was also responsible for designing several other buildings in the area.
The Belfry of Battersea is made of stone and has an octagonal base with four corner turrets. It has been compared to a castle because it appears to be designed as part of an old castle wall. The building itself looks like it’s part of something bigger—it may be part of an actual castle!
There are three clocks on the face of the tower: two smaller ones on either side and one larger one at its center. Above these clocks is a golden bell that rings every hour from 8 am until 8 pm during summertime (March 1st through October 31st).
Inside the National Theatre (Denys Lasdun, 1976)
Denys Lasdun designed the National Theatre in a Brutalist style. It is a concrete structure with dark grey concrete and glass on the inside.
The theatre has been described as having a “luminous quality”. This is mostly due to its size because the main stage uses large amounts of lighting, while other parts of the building do not have much light.
London’s Art Deco cinema palaces have been saved: now they need an audience
In an age of digital streaming, it may seem strange to think of London’s Art Deco cinema palaces as anything other than relics from another era.
Yet there was a time when these gleaming modern temples were the places where thousands flocked each week to see the latest blockbuster or sing along with their favorite music.
As the cinema industry changes and evolves, these grand old dames require a makeover. They must be brought up to date by making them more accessible and enticing new audiences into their plush theater seats.
How to spot Regency architecture in London’s streets
If you’re wondering how to spot Regency architecture in London, here are a few tips:
Look for symmetry and simplicity. Regency buildings tend to have simple facades with just one or two stories. They also tend not to have many decorations or features that might distract from their primary function.
Also, look for classic proportions. Most Regency buildings have classic proportions. For example, doorways are usually halfway up the building. Windows are traditionally tall and narrow with rounded tops (this is why they’re called “bow” windows).
Best examples of Georgian architecture in London
You’ll notice that many of the best examples of Georgian architecture are located in London’s West End. This is because this area was home to many members of the upper class when it was first built. It remained so today.
Queen Anne’s Gate (No. 1 Queen Anne’s Gate)
This building was built in 1723 by architect Henry Flitcroft as a townhouse for Sir Nicholas Bayly. Nicholas served as Master of the Rolls from 1707-1728 and Chief Justice from 1730-1743.
In 1853 it became home to Somerset House until 1874, when it became part of what we now know as King’s College London (KCL). Today KCL uses No. 1 Queen Anne’s Gate for lectures on law and criminology, among other things.
No. 1 Lincoln’s Inn Fields (No. 1 Lincoln’s Inn Fields)
One side street over from No1 Soho Square lies this red brick Georgian row house built between 1689-1691 by Robert Adam. He was part of a trio known as the Adam Brothers along with his brothers James ‘Athenian’ Stuart (1713-1786) and John’ Roman’ Stuart (1741-1815).
A plaque placed by English Heritage sits above their initials carved into one corner: “This plaque records the work carried out by Robert Adam at No1 Lincoln’s Inn Fields from 1689 until he died in 1792.”
Ten buildings that will transform London’s skyline by 2020
Here are some of the most impressive structures that are reshaping London’s skyline:
The Shard
The tallest building in Western Europe at 1,004 feet tall, this skyscraper is a mixed-use tower consisting of offices and luxury hotels. It is located on London Bridge Street and houses residential apartments, offices, shops, and restaurants on its 72 floors.
The Walkie Talkie
This office tower was designed by Rafael Viñoly Architects. They wanted their design to reflect “the idea of a ‘shard’ floating above its surroundings” by using glass panels that allow light into all corners of an office floor space regardless of whether it faces north or south. This makes this building one of the most environmentally sustainable projects ever undertaken in Europe!
A special reflective coating on its façade allows it to harvest sunlight but also directs heat away from neighboring buildings preventing them from overheating while they sit below it during summer months when temperatures rise drastically due to increased levels.
Conclusion
Architecture in London is one of the contrasts, with Victorian architecture rubbing shoulders with Brutalism and post-modernism. But some common threads run through the fabric of London’s built environment.
Whether it’s high-rise apartments or low-rise terraces, you can always expect to find a mix of historical styles blended in surprising ways.
