The U.K’s best architectural buildings you need to visit

 

Did you know that Architecture was once an Olympic Sport?

We are surrounded by incredible architectural buildings that I feel that most people take for granted. The U.K alone has a huge array of structures that will take your breath away. I have handpicked some amazing destinations right here in the U.K that are a must-go if you want to drown yourself with architectural exquisiteness.

 

  1. . The Royal Pavilion in Brighton ambitiously merges British and Indian culture.

The Royal Pavilion, better known as the ‘Brighton Pavilion’, is a grade 1 former royal residence. It is built in the Indo-Saracenic style dominant in India for most of the 19th century. The present appearance of the Pavilion, with its domes and minarets, is the work of architect John Nash, who extended the building starting in 1815.

 

  1. Pancras Renaissance Hotel and King’s Cross Clocktower

The building is known as St Pancras Chambers, and between 1935 and the 1980s it was used as railway offices. Its clock tower stands at 82m tall, with more than half its height useable. The upper levels of the original building were renovated between 2005 and 2011 as apartments by the Manhattan Loft Corporation.

  1. The M by Montcalm

The M by Montcalm is situated in Shoreditch, East London. It opened its doors in November 2015, the building is used as a luxury 5* hotel. The style of this building is a quirky optical illusion that is spellbinding to look at.

  1. The Sage Centre

The Sage centre is located in Gateshead; it is a must see for architectural brilliance. The building has the most incredible shapes that will have you staring for hours. It was designed by Foster and Partners, and with the glass and stainless-steel the concert hall glistens in the daylight, it’s amazing to gaze at when the sun is setting.

  1. King’s College Chapel

The Kings College Chapel is a staple point when punting down the river Cam in Cambridge. Nestled between the Kings College university buildings, the Gothic style will have you in awe due to its remarkable detail. It is considered one of the finest examples of late Perpendicular Gothic English architecture.

Have we missed any of your favourite architectural buildings in the U.K? Please tweet us at @HighfieldREC to let us know.

5 Must See Movies Featuring Impressive Architecture

Films and architecture have always had a close bond due to the way the architecture can have such a strong impact and the atmosphere and tone of the film. Here we have compiled a list of our top 5 must see movies that feature some very impressive architecture.

The Bradbury Building – Blade Runner

movie architecture

Of all the imagery in Ridley Scott’s 1982 hit film, Blade Runner, the Bradbury Building transformed as a post-apocalyptic apartment building takes centre stage. The rundown building in downtown LA sets the scene perfectly for this sci-fi noir classic.

The Palace Bristol Hotel – The Grand Budapest Hotel

architecture movie

Crucial to the film’s success was the set design, the visual aesthetic and the architecture supplied by the Palace Bristol Hotel which served as the inspiration for Anderson’s Budapest Hotel.

The Elrod House – Diamonds are Forever

james bond architecture

The Elrod House is a classic example of the architecture representing the nature and personality of the character who lives there. Sleek, modern and exciting, this Palm Springs home makes the perfect evil lair.

The Dakota – Rosemary’s Baby

architecture movie

The Dakota on the Upper West Side sets the stage for the horror as the film opens with aerial footage of the building’s Gothic architecture.

 

The Timberline Lodge – The Shining

movie architecture

One of the most imposing and memorable movie locations, repeatedly cited as a character in and of itself, would have to be the Overlook Hotel, setting of Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of The Shining. The architecture of The Timberline Lodge fully set the scene for this gruesome horror.

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