Barbican Estate
The Barbican Estate is a large residential complex of concrete towers and terraces in the City of London, built on a bombed site in the 1960s and 1970s around the Barbican arts centre. Designed by the architects Chamberlin, Powell and Bon, it is one of the best-known examples of Brutalist architecture in Britain and is listed for its architectural importance.
In practice
Around two thousand flats sit in three tall towers and long terrace blocks linked by raised walkways, with gardens, a lake and a conservatory between them. At its centre is the Barbican Centre, opened in 1982, which houses a concert hall, two theatres, cinemas, an art gallery and a library, and is home to the London Symphony Orchestra. The flats are privately owned or rented; the estate is managed by the City of London Corporation.
Why it matters to newcomers
"The Barbican" can mean the estate, the arts centre or the Tube station, and Londoners either love or hate its concrete. The public walkways, lakeside terrace and conservatory (on its open days) are free to explore, and the arts centre describes itself as the largest performing arts centre in Europe. Flats here are sought after by City workers who want to walk to the office.
Related
- Square Mile - the City the estate belongs to
- Livery company - several livery halls are nearby
- The Proms - London's other great classical music fixture
Source: Barbican.