The Barbican

I was lucky enough to be on a delayed tube last night. Normally this wouldn’t be a good thing, but as it forced me off the train at Farringdon, it gave me a chance to walk through the upper walkways of the Barbican.
It’s ages since I’ve done that. Usually, I walk through the grim tunnel underneath as it’s the most direct route to Liverpool Street, but staying above ground - indeed, a couple of levels above ground - I was struck by the sheer size of the place; an enormity about which I’d quite forgotten.



The word ‘barbican’ describes a fortified outpost of gateway, and it is a good fit for the angular, sharp architecture of this London development. It was opened in 1969, built on the site of the heavily bombed Cripplegate, increasing the number of residents in that area from a pre-WW2 total of 50 to a staggering 4,000 in 2,000 flats inside three of London’s tallest buildings. It is also home to a large arts centre.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the whole development, though, is that you can walk from one end to the next, following the lines and arrows painted on the floor, and never once see or hear a road.

If you liked that post, then try these...
Brief Encounter at the National Theatre on February 15th, 2008
A weekend on speed on November 6th, 2006
Saint Etienne reckon This is Tomorrow on June 29th, 2007
The world’s longest washing line on June 5th, 2006
Dorkbot on January 19th, 2005
August 21st, 2005 at 8:11 am
You have such an eye for what makes a good photo, I carry my camera with me to most places, but only occasionally manage to take a good shot. Instead I end up concentrating on the people who are with me. I guess this stems from me not having any artistic flare. Do you have any tips for spotting what makes a good composition?
Miles