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.