Like artists, architects want to push the boundaries and build something different and remarkable. And I agree, the building is amazing. But since all the services and pipes are exposed to the elements, maintaining the building is very costly. So much so that Lloyds are considering moving. Also, I read that demolition, if and when that time comes, would be very complicated. Good design should also be practical.
Yes, I’d read that maintenance is far more costly than anticipated - partly due to the premium materials used. It’s Grade I listed so, unless policy changes substantially, it will be here for centuries (like St Paul’s Cathedral)!
Feeling a little pleased with myself … before I started reading your words, Andrew, I was musing about a similarity to the Pompidou, seen just at the weekend … and there it is, a connection. Excellent piece.
Thanks, Barrie - you should feel very pleased with yourself! Will you manage to return to Paris and see the David Hockney exhibition? The Guardian gave it 5* today.
If it is on for a wee while, we might squeeze it in before my cycling adventure. Also, I took the liberty of hooking your piece into today’s Encouragement Files - hope that’s okay? How’s the puppy? (Also, quite a big game at the weekend … confident?)
It's an honour to appear in the Encouragement Files!
Gretl is very well. She is a lovely dog. Good off the lead, but not so much on the lead! House training coming along well too.
I have tickets for the quarter final - Bath are playing some sublime rugby at the moment so I hope it's a positive result for us. I was cheering Gloucester on last week knowing that it would mean a home match versus our favourite rivals.
What an incredible building - a bit of a photographers dream to visit. I remember it being built and being bemused at the time, but now it really is iconic. A great set of images Andrew!
What. an amazing structure. Beautifully photographed. It looks like something one might see in a film about a future utopia. I have explored the Pompidou; how I would love to see this one!
Yes, Richard Rogers cut his teeth on the Pompidou and took the idea further with one of the oldest institutions in the City of London. It outrageousness is part of its charm. I wonder if it encourages greater risk amongst the City boys and girls?
I like it and I've passed it often, but I understand that King Charles III is no great fan. In that he is following the trend of the previous King Charles (the second - not the one who lost his head over parliament) who tried to ban coffee houses where of course Lloyds began ....
There should be a book of his architectural quotations. I might disagree with what he says, but they do make me smile. In particular describing my favourite National Theatre as “a clever way of building a nuclear power station in the middle of London without anyone objecting.”
Thanks Andrew. I am lucky to cycle past this most days going to and from the office - and you have reminded me that I should occasionally stop and appreciate it!
Thank you for this, Andrew. I’ve been to the Pompidou a few times already. This is the first time I’ve seen this building. I’ll have to check it out when on my next visit to London.
It’s an interesting building. Incongruous amongst the buildings which surround it. I like it because it’s different and challenging but I know many it’s not to everyone’s taste!
Like artists, architects want to push the boundaries and build something different and remarkable. And I agree, the building is amazing. But since all the services and pipes are exposed to the elements, maintaining the building is very costly. So much so that Lloyds are considering moving. Also, I read that demolition, if and when that time comes, would be very complicated. Good design should also be practical.
Yes, I’d read that maintenance is far more costly than anticipated - partly due to the premium materials used. It’s Grade I listed so, unless policy changes substantially, it will be here for centuries (like St Paul’s Cathedral)!
But will it last centuries?
Perhaps not, but if it's Grade I Listed the owners are legally obliged to keep it standing.
I love the Lloyds building and always swing by whenever I’m in that part of London. Great set of photos and background to this wonderful building.
Thank you, Giles. It’s a fascinating building - so many details to admire.
Feeling a little pleased with myself … before I started reading your words, Andrew, I was musing about a similarity to the Pompidou, seen just at the weekend … and there it is, a connection. Excellent piece.
Thanks, Barrie - you should feel very pleased with yourself! Will you manage to return to Paris and see the David Hockney exhibition? The Guardian gave it 5* today.
If it is on for a wee while, we might squeeze it in before my cycling adventure. Also, I took the liberty of hooking your piece into today’s Encouragement Files - hope that’s okay? How’s the puppy? (Also, quite a big game at the weekend … confident?)
It's an honour to appear in the Encouragement Files!
Gretl is very well. She is a lovely dog. Good off the lead, but not so much on the lead! House training coming along well too.
I have tickets for the quarter final - Bath are playing some sublime rugby at the moment so I hope it's a positive result for us. I was cheering Gloucester on last week knowing that it would mean a home match versus our favourite rivals.
What an incredible building - a bit of a photographers dream to visit. I remember it being built and being bemused at the time, but now it really is iconic. A great set of images Andrew!
Thank you, Lin. It is incredible and bemusing! I'm not sure I fully appreciated at first either, but the more I look the more I like it.
Interesting. I wonder how different it looks on the inside compared to other office buildings… great photos, as always!
Thank you, Susanne. I'd love have a peek inside. They occasionally let the public in as part of the Open City festival.
What. an amazing structure. Beautifully photographed. It looks like something one might see in a film about a future utopia. I have explored the Pompidou; how I would love to see this one!
It is unique. Even in The City of London, which is home to lots of modern architecture, it stands out as something iconic.
For 12v cylinders that’s outrageous! would say Captain Haddock. Pompidou is the first coming to mind… amazing
Yes, Richard Rogers cut his teeth on the Pompidou and took the idea further with one of the oldest institutions in the City of London. It outrageousness is part of its charm. I wonder if it encourages greater risk amongst the City boys and girls?
I’ll have a look next time
Liked the essay … and the building, sort of. But very interesting.
Thank you, Tom. It’s an iconic building but not for everybody!
Lovely story and excellent photographs. Very good!!
Thank you very much, Søren.
I like it and I've passed it often, but I understand that King Charles III is no great fan. In that he is following the trend of the previous King Charles (the second - not the one who lost his head over parliament) who tried to ban coffee houses where of course Lloyds began ....
I’d live to find a King Charles III quotation on the building. He is very good at the pithy put downs.
Yes, he does have a turn of phrase at times 😉
You might find something he said about Richard Rogers - don't think he's near the top of KC's favourite architects...
There should be a book of his architectural quotations. I might disagree with what he says, but they do make me smile. In particular describing my favourite National Theatre as “a clever way of building a nuclear power station in the middle of London without anyone objecting.”
Brutally ugly..must be awful inside as well. I imagine not being able to look out at all.
Thanks Andrew. I am lucky to cycle past this most days going to and from the office - and you have reminded me that I should occasionally stop and appreciate it!
I hope you enjoy pausing on your commute. Nice weather for it at the moment.
Thank you for this, Andrew. I’ve been to the Pompidou a few times already. This is the first time I’ve seen this building. I’ll have to check it out when on my next visit to London.
The City of London is worth a few hours walking around. It’s full of skyscrapers and important looking people bustling about making deals.
Now I have even more reasons to visit London! Thank you, Andrew.
I hope you visit one day soon!
Think I had to write an essay about that building for my Art studies back in the day. Yet I’ve never actually seen it. It’s ugly but interesting.
It’s an interesting building. Incongruous amongst the buildings which surround it. I like it because it’s different and challenging but I know many it’s not to everyone’s taste!