We asked - and you answered!
At the end of last year as part of our celebration of 90 years of the Building Centre we asked you to select your favourite example of the built environment from the choices of our 90 selectors, and you have answered in your thousands. The most popular choices have crisscrossed the United Kingdom. What we have loved is the number of people who have gone to the trouble of explaining the reasons behind their choice, and we are pleased to show you just some of the extracts below.
A big congratulations to Melanie Murphy, who has won a four-night midweek stay in one of four spectacular properties that are part of the Living Architecture portfolio!
We would like to thank everyone who has participated. Keep updated on our latest news and promotions, by following us on our social media channels, or subscribing to our newsletter.
Here, in no particular order, are the top 10 selections, and some of the thoughts you have shared with us.
BATTERSEA POWER STATION
“A perfect example of upcycling, creating a community within the cavernous spaces…”
“The way they have honoured the original design, rebuilt and reinvigorated the site…”
“Amazing mixed use of building and retention of features adding to the London skyline”
THE BARBICAN
“Unique, iconic - you can't be indifferent to it”
“A place that has transcended the decades and been truly successful in its original aims. A spectacular and beautiful oasis within the city.”
“…Its sheer beauty.”
© The Red Telephone Box
© The National Theatre © Nigel Turner
© The BedZED estate
© The Alexandra and Ainsworth Estate
© Southbank Centre\'s Hayward Gallery © Morely von Sternberg
© Royal Festival Hall in the 1950s
© Royal Academy of Dance © David Grandorg
THE PIECE HALL
“…I’m not from Halifax but went to The Piece Hall for a music concert and was blown away by the beauty of the setting.”
“I remember visiting Halifax when this was an unloved carpark. The transformation is extraordinary…”
“…The restoration has given us somewhere to be very proud of.”
ANGEL OF THE NORTH
“The Angel isn’t only a sculpture, it’s a regional icon…”
“I know when I see the Angel I am being welcomed back home with open arms”
“I love her. Her simplicity and beauty change with the light and weather. She seems to envelop you in her wings and brings me a feeling of peace and love.”
JUPITER ARTLAND
“I have sat here more times than I can remember and the stillness and serenity is worth more than gold…”
“Calmful, restful, mindful.”
“…everyone needs to experience this oasis”
ST PANCRAS
“…It really is a building to be proud of.”
“For me, great Architecture is something that enhances lives without anyone noticing and in this case it enhances millions!”
“So beautiful. Adaptive reuse is wonderful.”
ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCE
“It is sleek and elegant in design - designed for connection - and when the building is full of dancers, teachers and students it has such warmth and vibrancy.”
“This is a template for others arts organisations and a shining beacon in the arts landscape.”
EDEN PROJECT
“Science, design, nature, technology and medicine all under one roof”
“Unparalleled jump into the future. A structure weighing less than the air it contains. Absolutely iconic…”
“…it showed me how much we need to respect the environment.”
BedZED
“Setting new housing standards while putting the end user into the spotlight”
“…sustainability in the built environment is not just a distant concept it can be a reality with imagination and application of sound knowledge and understanding.””
“A pioneering example of the way we need to go with all our buildings…strong on the community”
© Prospect Cottage © Andrew Martin
© The Weather Project in the Turbine Hall, 2004 © Tate Photography
© Jupiter Artland under construction © Jupiter Artland
© Elizabeth Line © Crossrail
© Eden Project © Hufton+Crow
© Coventry Cathedral © Alan Hitchcock
© Barbican © Max Colson
ELIZABETH LINE
“…the remarkably stylish public architecture of the EL is phenomenal, creating new
‘cathedrals’ of transport of which I am sure the likes of Brunel would have approved…”
“…it has already transformed transport in London by connecting poorly served outer parts of the city add to that ten brilliant station designs and it is a triumph…”
“…Such generous and high-quality public architecture is in sadly short supply in today’s world and the Elizabeth Line reminds us of what is possible.”
While we are nearing the end of our celebration there’s still time to pick your favourite if you haven’t already voted. The next 10 are snapping at the heels of the ones above, and if one of these is your particular favourite, get voting now.
COVENTRY CATHEDRAL
“Blown away by the scale and creation of a sacred space through light and simplicity.”
ALEXANDRA & AINSWORTH ESTATE
“Groundbreaking building and landscape. shows what social housing can be and still works today”
MAGGIE'S CENTRE LEEDS
“…a wonderful sanctuary for those who sadly need to be there.”
ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL
“Because of its open foyers - London's living room….”
TATE MODERN
“Going into Tate Modern and just sitting or wandering the turbine hall … fills me with a sense of calm and wonder similar to visiting any cathedral.”
LLOYDS BUILDING
“As a Services Engineer, I like to see shiny pipes and polished stainless steels and services take pride of place…”
THE RED TELEPHONE BOX
“Giles Gilbert Scott’s designs for the K2 and K6 are design icons…Now monuments to a nearly forgotten age of technology and communication.”
PROSPECT COTTAGE
“Art, architecture and landscape perfectly combined”
SOUTHBANK CENTRE
“It was built at a time and in a context that was optimistic about Britain and the role of architecture as a tool for change …”
NATIONAL THEATRE
“Acting as a cornerstone of the Southbank helping bring the whole area to life.”
