40 Facts About Barbican

The Barbican Estate: A Historical Overview

The Barbican Estate stands as a testament to post-war urban planning and architectural innovation. Its rich history and cultural significance make it a fascinating subject for exploration. Let's dive into some key facts about this iconic London landmark.

1. Location and History
   The Barbican Estate is situated on the northern edge of what was once Roman Londinium. This area was historically occupied by the City’s rag trade, including tailors, dress-makers, furriers, leather, and fabric merchants.

2. Post-War Destruction
   During the Blitz, the area was severely damaged. Aerial bombing destroyed most of the location, leaving only 48 residents by 1951.

3. Rebuilding Plans
   After the war, the City of London Corporation acquired the bomb-damaged site. Initially intended for commercial development, the plan shifted to a mainly residential scheme despite internal opposition.

Architectural Marvels of the Barbican

The Barbican Estate is renowned for its unique architectural style, which has both admirers and critics. Here are some fascinating architectural facts about the Barbican.

4. Architectural Design
   Designed by Chamberlin, Powell and Bon, the Barbican Estate was inspired by Brutalist architecture. This style emphasizes high-rise tower blocks, rough, unfinished surfaces, and straight lines.

5. Brutalist Architecture
   The term "Brutalist" comes from the French "béton brut," meaning "raw concrete." This style boomed in Britain in the 1960s and is characterized by its use of reinforced concrete and monumental scale.

6. Original Plans
   The original plans included a swimming pool and squash courts for residents. However, the swimming pool idea was rejected in 1958 and was eventually built in the Golden Lane Estate instead.

Living in the Barbican

The Barbican Estate was designed to cater to a specific demographic and lifestyle. Here are some insights into the living conditions and amenities.

7. Residential Target
   The flats were originally pitched at middle and higher-income groups employed in the City. Kitchens were designed to accommodate the tendency to entertain without servants, reflecting the lifestyle of the time.

8. Density and Population
   The City’s plans aimed for a density of about 300 persons per acre. However, the London County Council insisted on reducing this to 230 persons per acre as a condition of granting planning permission.

9. Construction Timeline
   Construction started in 1965 and took 11 years to complete. The complex was built between 1965 and 1976.

Cultural Significance

The Barbican is not just a residential area; it's a cultural hub. Here are some facts about its cultural impact.

10. Grade II Listing
    The Barbican Estate was Grade II-listed in September 2001, recognizing its special architectural interest due to its scale, cohesion, and ambitious project.

11. Barbican Centre
    Built between 1971 and 1982, the Barbican Centre includes two theatres, a concert hall, a library, an art gallery, three cinemas, a conservatory, offices, a restaurant, shops, and foyers.

12. Cultural Hub
    Today, the Barbican Centre is celebrated for its world-class programme of music, theatre, cinema, and visual arts, staging over 2,000 events annually.

Unique Features of the Barbican

The Barbican Estate has several unique features that set it apart from other urban developments. Here are some of them.

13. Architectural Features
    The estate comprises 13 seven-storey high terrace blocks topped with white barrel-vaulted roofs and three triangular tower blocks of 43 and 44 storeys with serrated balcony silhouettes.

14. Monumental Use of Concrete
    The Barbican is characterized by the monumental use of reinforced concrete, which was cheap and widely available in the 1960s and 1970s.

15. Blake Tower
    Originally built as the Barbican YMCA, a tower of single rooms aimed at young people working in the City, it was reconfigured into 74 private flats in 2015/2016 and is now known as Blake Tower.

The Barbican's Green Spaces

Despite its urban setting, the Barbican Estate offers several green spaces and amenities for residents. Here are some highlights.

16. Frobisher Crescent
    The top three floors of Frobisher Crescent were converted into 69 apartments in 2010/2011. This crescent-shaped building was originally constructed mainly as offices by CPB.

17. Sculpture Court
    A planned Sculpture Court within the curved courtyard adjacent to the Barbican Centre Gallery was never realized. The space is used today for occasional art installations and performances.

18. Pedway System
    The Pedway system, designed to clear streets of pedestrians and increase traffic flow, was largely abandoned or demolished due to its high cost and low usage. The Barbican highwalk remains as a time capsule of British architecture.

The Barbican Community

The Barbican Estate is home to a vibrant community. Here are some facts about its residents and amenities.

19. Residential Population
    Today, the Barbican Estate is home to more than 4,000 residents living in over 2,014 flats. Initially built for City of London Corporation workers and their families, the flats have since been largely bought out by wealthy Londoners.

20. Location and Amenities
    The estate offers a unique blend of urban living with landscaped gardens, a lake, a school, and a church right on your doorstep. It is also home to one of the most prestigious arts centers in the world, the Barbican Centre.

21. Cultural Impact
    The Barbican Centre is home to the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Shakespeare Company, among others. It hosts an enormous programme of theatre, classic and contemporary music, dance, cinema, art & design, and more.

Historical Connections

The Barbican area has a rich historical background, with connections to several notable figures and events. Here are some interesting historical facts.

22. Her Majesty’s Praise
    Queen Elizabeth II described the Barbican Centre as one of the modern wonders of the world when it opened in 1982.

23. Barbican Conservatory
    The Barbican Conservatory is home to over 1,500 species of tropical plants and trees, some of which are endangered in their natural habitats. It also features a variety of exotic fish and hosts afternoon tea on select weekends.

24. Historical Significance
    The Barbican Estate is situated on the site of the Roman Wall, which has been incorporated into the modern development. The Wall was used as a foundation for new buildings, making it a fascinating link to the past.

The Barbican's Evolution

The Barbican Estate continues to evolve, adapting to modern needs while preserving its historical and architectural significance. Here are some facts about its ongoing development.

25. Roman Londinium
    The area of Roman Londinium was approximately 325 acres. By Saxon times, the City incorporated a girdle of land outside the Wall, bringing it up to 677 acres, roughly the size of the City of London today.

26. Cripplegate Area
    The Cripplegate area was once occupied by the 'rag trade' and had a population of 14,000 by the 1850s. By 1951, this number had dwindled to just 48 residents.

27. Population Growth
    In 1851, the resident population of the parish of St Giles Cripplegate numbered 13,361. This number dropped significantly by 1951 due to the devastating effects of the Blitz and subsequent redevelopment plans.

Commercial Ventures and Ambitions

The Barbican Estate was always intended as a commercial venture to generate revenue for the City. Here are some facts about its commercial aspects and architectural ambitions.

28. Commercial Venture
    The estate was always intended as a commercial venture to make money for the City. The flats were marketed for rent on five-year terms at full market rent.

29. Architectural Ambition
    Chamberlin, Powell and Bon invented the idea of the Barbican Arts Centre in a report on the potential for development in the Barbican area. Their ambition was initially limited to it being a concert hall, theatre, or cinema, but it grew from there.

30. Temple Bar
    The City Corporation wanted to move the Temple Bar back into the City and planned for it to become the grand Aldersgate Street entrance to the Barbican. However, they ended up with the present temporary-diversion style entrance up steps to Defoe House.

Formality and Voter Concerns

The Barbican's development was influenced by concerns about formality in layout and the need to maintain a resident voter base in the City. Here are some facts about these aspects.

31. Formality in Layout
    The architects were concerned to ensure that the Barbican would be the opposite of a suburban development. They insisted on a definite formality in the layout, hence the terraces in groups of squares.

32. Eric Wilkins
    Eric Wilkins played a crucial role in pushing the City into carrying out the residential development. His barnstorming speech to the Court of Common Council on November 3, 1955, almost single-handedly turned the project around.

33. Voter Concerns
    One of the prime motives for considering a residential development was the concern that the lack of any voters resident in the City might lead to the government deciding it was not viable as a local authority. This concern was particularly relevant given the dwindling population of the City.

Historical Figures and Names

The Barbican area has connections to several historical figures and names. Here are some interesting facts about these connections.

34. Historical Figures
    The Barbican area has connections to several historical figures. Lancelot Andrewes, a theologian and famous preacher, lived in the area. Ben Jonson, an actor and playwright, also resided in the parish of Cripplegate.

35. Brandon Mews
    Brandon Mews is named after Robert Brandon, the Earl of Suffolk, who was granted the Manor of Basecourt (known as Barbican) by Edward III in 1336.

36. Breton House
    Breton House is associated with Nicholas Breton, a poet and satirist who lived in the Barbican area.

37. Ben Jonson House
    Ben Jonson House is linked to Ben Jonson, who lived for some years in the parish of Cripplegate. This historical connection adds to the cultural significance of the area.

38. Bryer Court
    Bryer Court is named after W. Bryer and Sons, gold and silver refiners, watchmakers, etc., who had premises in Barbican Street.

The Barbican Library and Renewal Project

The Barbican Estate continues to serve its residents through various amenities and ongoing renewal projects. Here are some facts about these aspects.

39. Barbican Library
    The Barbican Library is part of the complex and offers a variety of services to residents. It is an integral part of the community, providing access to books, media, and educational resources.

40. Renewal Project
    The Barbican Renewal Project aims to respect and preserve the original architecture while upgrading spaces and giving those areas that are underused a new life. This project continues to evolve the Barbican as a cultural hub supporting arts events, arts education, and creative enterprise.

The Barbican's Legacy

The Barbican Estate stands as a testament to post-war urban planning and Brutalist architecture. Its unique blend of residential living, cultural spaces, and historical significance makes it a fascinating part of London's landscape. From its origins on the ruins of Roman Londinium to its transformation into a vibrant community, the Barbican has evolved while maintaining its architectural integrity. The Barbican Centre continues to be a cultural hub, offering world-class performances and exhibitions. The estate's design, with its monumental use of concrete and innovative layout, remains a subject of admiration and study. As the Barbican Renewal Project progresses, it ensures that this iconic development will continue to thrive, blending the old with the new. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or a culture lover, the Barbican offers something for everyone.