The Barbican is an icon of Brutalist architecture and one of the UK’s architectural treasures. Barbican’s architects, Chamberlin, Powell and Bon, seized the opportunity to propose a radical transformation of how we live in buildings and cities. The result is one of London’s most ambitious and unique architectural achievements: a city within a city.
The Barbican Residential estate was built between 1965 and 1976 on a 35-acre site devastated by bombing in World War 2 and is situated on the northern edge of what was once Roman Londinium. The name of the Barbican comes from the Low Latin word 'Barbecana' which referred to a fortified outpost or gateway. The complex was Grade II-listed in September 2001.
The residential estate is made up of 3 towers, Cromwell Tower,Lauderdale Tower and Shakespeare Tower. The proposed three towers were to be: “three slim towers." The architectural idea behind this was that they would complete the series of vertical elements which would surround the central part of their scheme.
“Lastly, the three high towers rising up into the sky will give dramatic contrast to the otherwise horizontal treatment of the buildings and, by their distinctive form and relationship to each other, will both mark the change of axis at ground level and give identity to the neighbourhood from afar.”Chamberlin, Powell & Bon, Architects “Barbican Redevelopment” April 1959
The Barbican design was aimed at, in the architects’ own words, ‘…young professionals, likely to have a taste for Mediterranean holidays, French food and Scandinavian design’. Their ethos was that architecture was for the greater good. It was an optimistic vision for a better society at a time of booming economic growth.
The Barbican Estate has over 100 flat types, of differing sizes and configurations. The interiors were well-made, had underfloor heating, and were extremely modern in concept and design and featured a polygonal/triangular floor plan with three flats per floor.
The Barbican is today home to more than 4,000 residents, living in over 2,060 flats. I have always been fascinated by this building when I lived in London and was always curious about who lived inside. Now with this book, Barbican Residents: Inside the Iconic Brutalist Estate from Hoxton Mini Press, we can all learn about the lives of some of its residents, their stories and connection to the building.
The Barbican Residents: Inside the Iconic Brutalist Estate by Anton Rodriguez / Hoxton Mini Press
The Barbican is a radical model of city living and a symbol of post-war optimism. Today, it’s home to around 4,000 people – half the population of the City of London, the ancient heart of the capital where the building resides. But while its towers and walkways are recognisable to many, few are familiar with what lies inside. This book is a rare chance to peer beyond its concrete boundaries into the homes and lives of over 30 residents.
‘The Barbican embodies a vision of public generosity that is becoming
vanishingly rare.' – Olivia Laing, from the foreword.
