Lloyds of London
Built 1979-86
Designed by Richard Rogers Partnership
“One of the single most thrilling architectural experiences in Europe…”
As with the Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano designed Pompidou Centre in Paris, this is an inside-outside building. The services and circulation systems (water pipes, heating, ducts and lifts) are exposed to passers-by creating a striking mechanical feel which seems more suited to an oil refinery than an insurance market. The style was dubbed ‘Bowellism’.
This design leaves the interior uncluttered and a spectacular central atrium rises the full height of the building, flooded with natural light.
The building was squeezed into a small corner of the City of London. Richard Rogers wrote in his book, Architecture: a modern view, “we set out to enhance the narrow medieval street pattern of the city by building over the whole site. This allows the viewer to catch only glimpses of the building, which is therefore designed to be seen in parts.”
The quality of the materials, the imagination of the design, the scale of the building, commands you to stop. To let the busy business people rush past while you take time to absorb the details, notice the shapes and admire the gleaming metallic finishes.
“Non-Londoners - if you have time in the capital to see one building, make it this one. This outrageous, paranoid, disturbing building is one of the single most thrilling architectural experiences in Europe” wrote Owen Hatherley in the sacred text, Modern Buildings in Britain.
Like St Pauls Cathedral, it is Grade I Listed.
