Written by Alessandro Mangano.
On my recent travels to London, I had the pleasure of experience some of the most captivating and innovative architectural designs in the world. I have had the opportunity to witness and collaborate on a number of impressive projects over the years, but the architectural wonders I experienced during this visit were truly inspiring. From historical landmarks to contemporary marvels, I was struck by the diversity and creativity that characterized each space.
A short walk away in central London’s Victoria Street stands Kings Gate, designed by Lynch Architects. This 14-storey residential building, clad in limestone, epitomizes the elegance of modern city living. Its form complements its neighboring counterpart, The Zig Zag Building, and together they replace a former slab-like office building, contributing both retail and office spaces to the vibrant urban fabric. The dual structures reflect a thoughtful reinterpretation of mixed-use development, enhancing the area with their sleek silhouettes while paying homage to the historic essence of Victoria Street. I found the contrast between the classic limestone cladding and the modernist lines of the design captivating a striking balance of old and new.
Rounding out my tour of innovative designs, I visited Oxford’s Cheng Yu Tung Building, situated on the corner of Cornmarket and Market Street. Designed by MICA Architects, this project exemplifies the blending of traditional Oxford architecture with cutting-edge modernism. It is no surprise that this building won a RIBA Award in May 2024. The meticulous attention to both the building’s form and its relationship to the surrounding urban environment ensures it stands as a significant new landmark in the heart of Oxford. Its presence showcases how forward-thinking design can integrate seamlessly into historic settings while still pushing architectural boundaries.
Continuing my journey, I came across Buckingham Green, designed by Fletcher Priest, an award-winning London-based studio. Situated near Parliament and Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Green represents a new standard for urban public spaces. The scheme revitalizes an existing site with a refurbished tower and two new buildings, seamlessly blending offices, retail spaces, and 65 luxury apartments. The architectural rhythm of Buckingham Green balances modernity with the historical gravitas of its surroundings, setting a benchmark for mixed-use developments. As I explored this site, I was struck by how thoughtfully designed public spaces can foster community interaction while elevating the urban experience. It’s a bold, cohesive approach that I found highly inspiring.
In the heart of London, I had the privilege of visiting The Emory in Knightsbridge, a building designed by the late Sir Richard Rogers. The bold, elegant lines of this newly completed landmark are already shaping the city’s horizon. With its striking rooftop sails and sleek, flat glass façade, The Emory is a fine example of Rogers’ design philosophy: the seamless blending of form and function. What struck me most was how the building, despite its bold presence, seemed to melt into the urban environment, creating a minimal yet powerful statement. The attention to detail is extraordinary, from the understated façade to the interplay of light and shadow within the structure itself. This is a building that respects its surroundings, allowing the historic charm of Knightsbridge to shine through while also pushing the boundaries of contemporary design. The Maybourne Hotel Group’s dedication to excellence is clear, and combined with Rogers’ architectural vision, The Emory is poised to become a defining landmark for London.
Venturing further, I made my way to the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, where the Davies Alpine House instantly grabbed my attention. Opened in 2006, this RIBA award-winning structure, designed by the renowned firm WilkinsonEyre, is a stunning example of how traditional architectural practices can merge seamlessly with cutting-edge technology. The Alpine House is not just a glasshouse, it’s a sanctuary for delicate alpine plants, recreating the cool, dry conditions of their natural habitat. The building’s sustainable design is what left me truly impressed. Advanced ventilation and cooling systems minimize energy consumption, proving that architecture can—and should—work hand in hand with the environment. The glasshouse, made from low-iron glass to optimize daylight transmission, floods the space with natural light, enhancing the health of the plants inside. As an architect, it’s always a joy to see technology used to support nature in such a subtle yet impactful way.
One of the highlights of my trip was a visit to Runnymede, Surrey. This serene and historical site holds great significance, but what truly caught my eye was the extraordinary rammed earth structure designed by Mark Wallinger in collaboration with Studio Octopi. The raw beauty of the rammed earth walls, created by layering locally sourced aggregates and sand, offered a tactile and visually striking experience. Each layer told a story of the earth itself, evoking a sense of time and place. What I found particularly fascinating was the juxtaposition of materials: the rough, textured earth standing in stark contrast to the sleek, bead-blasted stainless steel pool surround. The fir rafters supporting the roof and the low-level apertures, which elegantly illuminated the surrounding paths, added an element of quiet sophistication to the overall design. The result was a harmonious interplay of traditional and modern materials. It was a moment of deep inspiration, one I will carry forward in my own architectural work.
My next stop took me to Windsor Great Park, where I visited the Savill Building. The design of this structure, with its vast overhanging green roof and column-free interior, is a masterpiece in itself. Spanning an impressive 120 meters in length and 30 meters in width, the building blends effortlessly into its surrounding landscape. The interior, crafted with oak timber for both structure and cladding, offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. The architectural choices here are not just visually stunning but environmentally conscious as well, with the timber acting as a sustainable material that reinforces the connection between the built environment and nature. The sweeping views across Windsor’s landscape make the Savill Building a perfect retreat for those who appreciate the fusion of architecture and the natural world. For me, it was a peaceful yet invigorating space that highlighted the potential for architecture to bring us closer to nature, even within grand, man-made structures.
One of the architectural icons that I couldn’t miss was Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport. Designed by Richard Rogers Partnership (now RSHP) with production design by aviation architects Pascall+Watson, Terminal 5 is a breathtaking example of functional yet elegant airport architecture. The sweeping glass façade and vast open spaces create a sense of light and air, while the intricate design of the terminal balances the heavy demands of aviation with a sense of human scale. It’s a building that not only handles the complex logistics of air travel but also serves as a welcoming gateway to London. I was particularly impressed by the way Terminal 5 manages to blend functionality with a sense of grandeur, a rare feat in such large-scale public infrastructure.
Before concluding my journey, I made sure to stop by Liverpool Street station to witness the public art installations delivered by the Crossrail Art Foundation in collaboration with Crossrail Limited. With the opening of the new Elizabeth line, a series of artworks have been seamlessly integrated into the design of the new below-ground stations. These pieces, developed alongside engineers and architects, are not merely decorative but form an intrinsic part of the stations themselves. Each artwork reflects the station’s location within London, connecting the art to the cultural and physical fabric of the city. It was fascinating to see how art and architecture could come together to create spaces that are both functional and deeply expressive, transforming something as everyday as a commute into an immersive cultural experience.
Reflecting on these experiences, I can’t help but feel a renewed sense of purpose in my own work. Each of these buildings, in its own unique way, demonstrates the power of architecture to shape not only our surroundings but also the way we live and interact with the world. From sustainable design to the integration of art and nature, these spaces serve as reminders that great architecture transcends time, bringing together the past, present, and future in a single, cohesive vision.
As I return from London, I find myself increasingly drawn to the potential for collaboration and new opportunities within this vibrant city. The dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation in London’s architecture is truly remarkable, and I am eager to contribute to this ever-evolving landscape. Whether through sustainable projects, or cutting-edge architectural designs, I am excited to explore possibilities with like-minded professionals and institutions in London. The role of the architect is not just to design buildings but to create environments that inspire, challenge, and uplift. I look forward to applying these lessons to my own work, and I can only hope that future generations will continue to push the boundaries of what architecture can achieve.
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