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The Barbican Centre’s ruggedness is its charm, and part of the reason that well over a million people visit the art centre every year. But sometimes even gargantuan concrete beasts need a bit of TLC – and that’s what the Barbican is about to receive as part of a huge ‘renewal’ project over the coming years.
Between now and 2030, the brutalist beauty will be revamped with a more accessible conservatory, a revived lakeside area (with working fountains, new landscaping and more) and more flexible-use, inclusive foyers. This will all constitute the first phase of the ‘renewal’, and it’s set for completion before the building’s 50th birthday in 2032.
And now, excitingly, we have more images of exactly what the Barbican’s makeover could look like. A bunch of computer-generated renders have been released showing plans for the revamped foyers, lakeside and conservatory – here are those for a look.
A whopping 90 percent of respondents supported the Barbican Centre’s initial proposals, and the designs have been refined to reflect that feedback. The total cost of the first phase of works has been costed at around £240 million, 80 percent of which has been committed by the City of London Corporation.
Commenting on the new images, Barbican’s director for buildings and renewal Philippa Simpson said:
‘We’ve been incredibly encouraged by the public’s enthusiasm for our plans. These new images reflect a vision for the Barbican Centre that stays true to our unique heritage and bold character while making us an inclusive, sustainable and meaningful place for everyone.’
The design team delivering the Barbican’s renewal is led by architects Allies and Morrison, who are working with Asif Khan Studio, engineers Buro Happold, lighting designers les éclaireurs, designers Arup, circular economy experts Reusefully and landscapers Harris Bugg Studios. Subject to planning approval, construction is expected to begin in 2027.
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