Our managing editor and publisher is well known for his love of architecture. He will argue all day for brutalist architecture. Here he lists a random choice of his favourite event buildings for their architecture. But rather than hear his opinions, he has chosen to seek the opinion of his good friend, tv personality and co-presenter of Your Home Made Perfect, Amazing Spaces, Shed of the Year, and Ugly House, Laura Jane Clark. Hopefully we’ll be able to visit the overseas venues sooner rather than later.
- SECC, SCOTLAND
Why we love it…
Laura’s opinion:
One of the first Foster Partners venues in Glasgow, the SEC was bold and industrial on the banks of Glasgow’s River Clyde. Known locally as the Armadillo, it was the catalyst for investment in the area, and still looks as striking today as it did when opened in the late 1990s.
- VIEW FROM THE SHARD
Why we love it…
Laura’s opinion:
I love the Shard – although I am not generally a fan of monolithic skyscrapers, I think this is different. The elegance of the structure and the way this incredible building brakes to open sections touching the sky with the most breath taking viewing platforms.
- THREE MILLS ISLAND, BOW
Why we love it…
Laura’s opinion:
An incredible hidden part of London’s industrial history, Three Mills is a fantastic example of bringing restoration into the 21st Century. The site and it’s park have not only been redeveloped into television and film studios – but also a unique events venue. Not just a stuffy renovation – but an asset to the local community and the South East.
- HAMPTON COURT PALACE
Why we love it…
Laura’s opinion:
Steeped in history, Hampton Court Palace is one of the most evocative places I have ever visited. The approach is so well known, you feel like you have been before – yet there are so many wonderful hidden passages and areas, you can get lost so easily and feel like you are the only person there!
- OSBORNE HOUSE, ISLE OF WIGHT
Why we love it…
Laura’s opinion:
One of the most elegant and beautiful palatial houses in this country, Osbourne House is the epitome of Georgian style wonder. Incorporating the beach, on a sunny day you can imagine you are taking in Italian sun in Naples.
- BA LONDON EYE
Why we love it…
Laura’s opinion:
I remember the London Eye being built, and thinking it was a little bit ridiculous looking. After my first “flight” I was hooked! It’s so unique and now an indelible part of the London landscape.
- THE LOWRY, MANCHESTER
Why we love it…
Laura’s opinion:
A long time in the planning and building, the Lowry is a gorgeous jewel of a building in Salford that brings the redevelopment of the area together. Like a mini Guggenheim in Bilbao, it’s outlook over the water makes it the perfect destination.
- V&A DUNDEE
Why we love it…
Laura’s opinion:
Kengo Kumas Dundee V&A is something else – its one of the most incredible buildings I have visited and feel very privileged to have such a building in Scotland. Responding to the landscape and River Tay this austere yet sculptural piece of architecture is a dream of ply wood and concrete. My happy place….!
- THE KELPIES, FALKIRK
Why we love it…
Laura’s opinion:
These massive steel sculptures defy scale – and are an incredible backdrop to the central belt of Scotland.
10/ HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT, WESTMINSTER
Why we love it…
Laura’s opinion:
The Houses of Parliament are part of our cultural identity – for better or for worse. In terms of architecture, the houses climb stories above the River Thames effortlessly. You can feel the history, the corridors, the monumental decisions and the abuses of power. It is quite mesmeric!
11/ THE SAVOY, LONDON
Why we love it…
Laura’s opinion:
What is there not to love…I think it is the most glamourous of entrances – under the canopy of lights. It’s elegance is beyond compare….and the bathrooms are something else.
COOL VENUE ARCHITECTURE – REST OF THE WORLD
1/ TWA MUSEUM
Why we love it…
Laura’s opinion:
One of my favourite buildings as an architecture students, the renovation and reopening of the TWA terminal is a stroke of genius. Stepping through the lift is like stepping back in time – with no detail sparred even down to the original booking desk with whiskey and ice cubes. Down the red carpeted tunnel into the glamour of the 1960s. The bars, restaurants, hotel and cafe – and checking staff dressed in 1960s TWA uniforms. Interestingly – TWA were the first airline to introduce comfort and cutting edge fashion to their uniforms. A sculptural masterpiece. The world is a little better with the TWA re-opened.
2/ CHÂTEAU DE CHENONCEAU — CHENONCEAUX, FRANCE
Why we love it…
Laura’s opinion:
Almost magical in its appearance, the Chateau De Chenonceau floats on Le Cher and when the mist descends the castle appears to take on an other world look. I still can’t quite comprehend how this beautiful building as build with such an effortless look. The most elegance backdrop to any venue.
3/ THE PYRAMIDS OF GIZA, EGYPT
Why we love it…
Laura’s opinion:
The Pyramids are one of the seven wonders of the world – need I say more!? The most magical incredible venue – you can get lost in the wonder of the surroundings. There is nowhere quite like the Pyramids.
4/ ACROPOLIS OF ATHENS, GREECE
Why we love it…
Laura’s opinion:
The Acropolis was one of the first structures I studied in History of Architecture. What I love about it is the small things you wouldn’t know from first glance. It is actually curved slightly to make the perspective look greater and therefore seem even more imposing. When it was originally built, it would have been highly decorated and brightly painted. I personally prefer it old and worn – a bit like Steve Coogan….
5/ LE MONT SAINT MICHEL, NORMANDY, FRANCE
Why we love it…
Laura’s opinion:
I never wanted to be a princess when I was a little girl – only a witch. What I love about Le Mont Saint Michel is that it is the kind of castle that is full of wonder and majesty that reminds me of the best witches castle in the world.
6/ GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM, BILBAO, SPAIN
Why we love it…
Laura’s opinion:
Although I am not a huge fan of late Gehry’s work, the Guggenheim is special as it was the centre of the regeneration of the port city of Bilbao. This building represents what a monumental cultural centre can do for a struggling town and its people.
7/ BURJ KHALIFA, DUBAI
Why we love it…
Laura’s opinion:
I have never visited Dubai, and have no intention of doing! But this masterpiece of a sky scraper seems to defy gravity. It is truly incredible.
8/ SAGRADA FAMILIA, BARCELONA
Why we love it…
Laura’s opinion :
Once of the most special buildings to me – I have spent many hours wandering around and feeling the unique curved organic forms. And like most things I have ever undertaken, I love it all the more as it is not finished.
Read the full article here https://issuu.com/prestigeeventsmagazine/docs/prestige_events_magazine_2020_low_res
