London's Modern Buildings

Watch London's Modern Buildings

  • 2017
  • 1 Season

London's Modern Buildings is a documentary series that explores the iconic contemporary structures that have transformed the London skyline. Produced by Zatzu Media, the show takes the viewer on a journey through the history and architecture of some of London's most striking modern buildings.

The series is divided into six episodes, each exploring a different building in the city. The buildings featured range from the iconic, such as The Shard and The Gherkin, to the lesser-known, such as the City of London Information Centre and the Central St Giles development.

Each episode features interviews with the architects and designers behind these structures, as well as experts in urban planning and development. The show combines stunning aerial footage of the buildings with detailed insights into their design and construction.

The first episode explores The Shard, Europe's tallest building, and one of the most recognizable structures on the London skyline. The episode looks at the challenges faced by its architects, Renzo Piano and William Matthews, as well as the engineering innovations that made it possible. The episode also delves into the role The Shard has played in London's regeneration, and the controversy surrounding its impact on the city's skyline.

The second episode focuses on The Gherkin, another of London's most distinctive modern buildings. The episode looks at the history of the site, which was once a bomb-damaged office block, and the design challenges faced by its architect, Norman Foster. It also considers the building's environmental credentials, which were groundbreaking when it was built in 2004.

In the third episode, the show explores the Central St Giles development in the heart of the West End. The development, designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano, comprises a mix of residential apartments, office space, and retail units. The episode looks at the challenges of designing for such a prime location, as well as the way the building fits into the wider fabric of the city.

The fourth episode is dedicated to the City of London Information Centre, a small but innovative building that provides information to visitors to the city. The episode looks at the building's use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient design, as well as its role in promoting the City of London as a destination for tourism and business.

The fifth episode explores the redevelopment of Kings Cross, one of London's largest regeneration projects. The episode looks at the way the area has been transformed from a derelict industrial site to a vibrant mixed-use development, including the dramatic new home of Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design.

The final episode focuses on the Leadenhall Building, another of London's most striking modern structures. The skyscraper, known as the Cheesegrater due to its distinctive wedge-shaped design, was completed in 2014. The episode looks at the challenges faced by its architects, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, as well as the building's environmental features and its place in the wider context of the City of London.

Overall, London's Modern Buildings is a fascinating exploration of some of the most iconic modern structures in London. The show offers a unique glimpse into the design and construction of these buildings, as well as their impact on the city's skyline and wider urban landscape. With stunning aerial footage and in-depth interviews, the series is a must-see for anyone interested in architecture, engineering or urban planning.

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Seasons
Commercial Offices
5. Commercial Offices
August 31, 2017
In this episode we travel to the centre of London to see two commercial office spaces, KPF's Herron Tower and AHMM's polygon shaped office block at 240 Blackfriars Road.
Public Libraries
4. Public Libraries
August 31, 2017
In this episode, we visit two public buildings; the Stirling Prize winning Peckham Library by Will Alsop and the innovative Whitechapel Idea Store by David Adjaye.
Sports Stadums
3. Sports Stadums
August 31, 2017
In this episode we visit two sports buildings; Michael Taylor from Hopkins Architects Partnership, the architects behind the Lee Valley VeloPark, and later, Christopher Lee from Populous, the architects behind the Emirates Stadium, home of Arsenal Football Club.
Transport & Education
2. Transport & Education
August 31, 2017
In this episode we meet with John McAslan from John McAslan+ Partners (JMP), the architects behind the Western Concourse at Kings Cross station and later, Alan Stanton and Paul Williams from Stanton Williams, the architects behind the new Central St Martin, University of the Arts London building, also in Kings Cross.
London Landmarks
1. London Landmarks
August 31, 2017
In this episode we will meet with Grant Brooker from Foster + Partners, the architects behind 30. St Mary's Axe, and later, Mike Davies from Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, the architects behind the Millennium Dome, subsequently renamed the 02.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    August 31, 2017