Nestled within the junction of London Wall and Aldersgate Street in the Barbican district of the City of London lies the Museum of London. Built in 1977, the brutalist building was home to the world's largest urban history collection, with more than six million objects curated to highlight London's social history. The museum has been closed for over two years with plans for relocation, while its historic building faces demolition to make way for a new development—the London Wall West scheme. This has sparked mixed reactions from London residents and people across the country, with calls to review the proposed design and campaigns favoring retrofit over the demolition of this unique modernist building. Photographer Arnolt Smead recently visited the museum to capture its beautiful architectural moments and highlight its unique features.
London: The Latest Architecture and News
Studio Weave Leads Design of British Museum's New Visitor Pavilions Amid Broader Masterplan Initiatives
The British Museum has revealed Studio Weave as the lead team selected to design its new visitor welcome pavilions and forecourt as part of a larger redevelopment initiative. The project is one of the Museum's key steps in its extensive Masterplan, which aims to modernize the iconic central London site while preserving its historical significance. The winning proposal was chosen through a competition organized under the Greater London Authority's Architecture + Urbanism framework, which prioritizes diversity and sustainability in design.
Laurie House / Joseph Mills Architects
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Architects: Joseph Mills Architects
- Year: 2024
The Barbican Center to Undergo Major Renewal and Upgrade, Planned to Begin First Phase in 2027
The City of London Corporation has approved a £191 million funding package for the first phase of the Barbican Centre's five-year renewal program. The initiative is aimed at addressing critical repairs and upgrades to this Grade II-listed venue, including improvements to accessibility, energy efficiency, and overall functionality of its aging infrastructure. The Barbican Renewal began in 2021 with an international competition for the multi-disciplinary design team to lead the efforts. In 2022, Allies and Morrison, Asif Khan Studio, and Buro Happold were selected, in collaboration with specialists in sustainability, heritage, landscaping, lighting design, acoustics, and more.
Reciprocal House / Gianni Botsford Architects
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Architects: Gianni Botsford Architects
- Area: 280 m²
- Year: 2023
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Professionals: Integration, TALL Engineers, FFLO, HCUK, Barton Wilmore, +3
RIBA Awards House of the Year 2024 to Six Columns by 31/44 Architects
Six Columns, designed by 31/44 Architects has been announced as the winner of the RIBA House of the Year 2024 award. Designed by Will Burges, Director of 31/44 Architects, for his own family, this four-bedroom residence occupies a compact urban plot in Crystal Palace, South London. The home's design, inspired by the six prominent columns that define its structure, integrates with the surrounding terraced houses while retaining a distinctive and compelling architectural identity.
Architecture Now: From Island Resorts to Eco-Parks, A Look at Recent Architectural Announcements from BIG, KCAP, and More
Recent architectural announcements showcase a global range of projects. This month, some of the most recognized architectural offices in the world have announced ambitious projects, some engaging with local communities, rediscovering and revitalizing existing structures, or contributing to complex architectural landscapes. Among them, BIG revealed their proposal for Saadiyat Island, a cultural district that gathers some of the world's most famous designers. Additionally, Populous revealed a new performance center, KCAP is developing a framework for an eco-industrial park, and Henley Halebrown is working to revitalize an overlooked structure in Belgium, reopening it to the local community. Read on to discover a collection of recent announcements from the architectural world, peeking into established architects' processes and recent announcements.
Tree Courtyard House / ao-ft
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Architects: ao-ft
- Area: 103 m²
- Year: 2023
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Professionals: Foster structures, Saul Jones, Harwood, ARG Building Services LTD
Vert Installation / Diez Office + OMC°C
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Architects: Diez Office, OMC°C
- Area: 140 m²
- Year: 2024
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Manufacturers: American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC)
Deutsche Bank Headquarters / WilkinsonEyre
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Architects: WilkinsonEyre
- Year: 2024
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Professionals: TP Bennett, Robert Bird Group, Avison Young
Mid Terrace Dream House / Collective Works
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Architects: Collective Works
- Area: 150 m²
- Year: 2023
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Professionals: Next Step Heating, Green Building Store
Exploring The Role of Tourist Information Centers in Europe's Top Destinations
In celebration of World Tourism Day, it's important to highlight the crucial role that tourist information points (TICs) play across Europe. These centers provide essential services, from maps and local advice to promoting sustainable travel. Strategically located at major transit hubs and landmarks, TICs ensure that visitors receive personalized guidance to enhance their travel experience. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Europe welcomed an estimated 585 million international tourists in 2023, underscoring the importance of efficient, localized visitor support. TICs have adapted to this surge by offering both in-person and digital services, helping tourists make informed decisions about their upcoming journeys.