This building visit led by Stephen Witherford of Witherford Watson Mann Architects, will explore The Barbican Estate designed by Chamberlin, Powell & Bon, in conversation with Tatjana Crossley, AA PhD candidate.

The Barbican Estate

The Barbican Estate was designed by Chamberlin, Powell & Bon. In 1954, the young architects were asked to submit designs for the Barbican. With its coarse concrete surfaces, elevated gardens and trio of high-rise towers, the Barbican Estate offered a new vision for how high-density residential neighbourhoods could be integrated with schools, shops and restaurants, as well world-class cultural destinations. Approval was given in 1959 for the residential blocks to be built and construction lasted for twelve years, with the complex officially opening in 1982. At the time of their completion, the Barbican towers were the tallest residential towers in Europe.

Stephen Witherford

Since establishing Witherford Watson Mann Architects in 2002, Stephen has led projects including Amnesty International UK, Bankside Urban Forest, the Olympic Legacy Masterplan and the 21st century Almshouse. He has a strong commitment to urban design and public space, and has taught at the London School of Economics Cities Programme, and served as a member of the Mayor’s Design Advisory Group.

AA Building Conversations

AA Building Conversations brings together practicing architects and AA members to discuss in-situ how existing buildings in London have influenced, sharpened or challenged the architects’ own practices and understanding of the discipline. The conversations will be triggered by an AA PhD student, and will be a collective construction among all those present. This project has been initiated by Gabriela Garcia de Cortazar (AAPhD 2016), and realised by AA membership and AA PhD candidates Sofia Krimizi & Alvaro Velasco.

Image: © AA Photo Library, Reyner Banham, 1972

Open to AA Members. Become a member. Book your place using the form below.