{"id":119869,"date":"2025-05-21T13:18:22","date_gmt":"2025-05-21T13:18:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/119869\/"},"modified":"2025-05-21T13:18:22","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T13:18:22","slug":"10-of-the-best-postmodern-buildings-in-london-you-need-to-see","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/119869\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Of The Best Postmodern Buildings In London You Need To See"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhoto: elinaxx1v via Shutterstock<\/p>\n

London\u2019s buildings aren\u2019t shy to show off a little\u2013whether it be Gothic spires, glass skyscrapers, or stately Georgian townhouses. But for those who like their cityscapes with some playful rebellion, London\u2019s postmodern buildings are where the weird meets the wonderful in the most unexpected ways.<\/p>\n

Forget the polite symmetry of classicism or the earnest minimalism of modernism<\/a>; postmodernism is London\u2019s architectural wild card that\u2019s loud and proud across the city. The architectural movement emerged in London during the 1970s and 1980s, fueled by economic stagnation and a desire for change from the shortcomings of the previous architectural eras and their bleak connotations.<\/p>\n

From unique sewage pumping stations to incredibly quirky details on some of the capital\u2019s most beloved buildings, these architectural hotspots are bold, brash, and utterly unbothered by the rules set before them. So, without further ado, here are some of the best postmodern buildings in London<\/strong> that you need to see to believe!<\/p>\n

1. The Cosmic House \"ThePhoto: The Cosmic House <\/p>\n

Nestled in the heart of Holland Park<\/a>, The Cosmic House<\/strong> is the ultimate manifesto of postmodernism, concieved by the architecutal icon and theorist Charles Jencks, along with his wift Maggie. Built between 1978 and 1983, it\u2019s a kaleidoscope of symbols, metaphors, and references<\/strong>\u2013with every room jam-packed with details. Each section of the house is dedicated to a paticular season of the year\u2013playing with your emotions and mood throughout.<\/p>\n

You can now visit The Cosmic House for guided tours and a little nosey around, although tickets do sell out very quickly<\/strong>. For more information, click here<\/a> to visit their official website.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccd 19 Lansdowne Walk, London, W11 3AH.<\/p>\n

2. SIS Building (MI6 Headquarters) \"ExteriorPhoto: a_makrai via Shutterstock <\/p>\n

Perhaps London\u2019s most iconic postmodern building, the SIS Building\u2013<\/strong>better know as the MI6 headquarters\u2013is a fortress-like structure inspired by the 1930s power stations and Mayan temples. This unique combo was designed and created by Terry Farrell and Partners, being completed in 1994.<\/p>\n

Its layered, faceted form, as well as its bold use of materials make it instantly recognisable on the Thames, especially if you\u2019re a fan of James Bond. The building\u2019s secrative aura is matched with a complex, security-focused design<\/strong>, making it a must-visit pitstop on your postmodern tour of Lonodn.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccd 85 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TP<\/p>\n

3. Isle of Dogs Pumping Station \"ExteriorLollipoplollipoplollipop, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons <\/p>\n

Perhaps one of London\u2019s more unique postmodern buildings, the Isle of Dogs Pumping Station <\/strong>is a riot of colour for being a building connected to London\u2019s sewage system. Famed for its bashful colomns and symbolism, it has transformed a mundade utilitity into a theatrical temple, with giant stylized details and a central \u201ceye\u201d that doubles as an extrction fan.<\/p>\n

Creating unique (and beautiful) sewage buildings does seem to be a trend here in the capital though. Check out the link below to discover a Victorian beauty<\/a> with a similar fuction.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccd Stewart St, London E14 3YH<\/p>\n

4. FAT\u2019s Blue House \"ExteriorPhoto: Reading Tom, UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons <\/p>\n

Designed by the renowned Sean Griffiths for the avant-garde studio FAT (Fashion Architecture Taste), the Blue House (2002)<\/strong> is a cartoon-like, tounge-in-cheek riff on domestice architecture in East London<\/a>. Its bright blue facade and exaggerated forms blur the link between home and office<\/strong>, while recent rooftop extensions and upkeep have only added to its playfullness.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccd2 Garner St, London E2 9AQ<\/p>\n

5. No. 1 Poultry \"ExteriorPhoto: Claudio Divizia via Shutterstock <\/p>\n

This is one of London\u2019s most controversial postmodern buildings<\/strong> and for good reason! This wedge-shaped icon at Bank Junction replaced the historic Mappin & Webb building in 1995, causing numerous debates about the preservation of buildings.<\/p>\n

Fast forward to today and No. 1 Poultry<\/strong> is now a Grade II* listed building, and is celebrated for being a flagship building for British postmodernism\u2013<\/strong>reinstating how mad it is that places, things, and perception can change in an instant.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccd 3 London Bridge St, London SE1 9S<\/p>\n

6. The Circle \"HorsePhoto: Jono Photography via Shutterstock <\/p>\n

Designed by CZWG and completed in 1989, The Circle<\/strong> is a bold (and bright blue) residential complex distinguided by its glazed brickwork and central courtyard. It\u2019s another with playful details honing in on the area\u2019s industrial past<\/strong>\u2013with a charming horse sculpture (pictured above) to boot. If you\u2019re an avid lover of all-things architecture, it\u2019s a true Bermondsey<\/a> landmark and an absolute classic of the postmodern canon.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccd Queen Elizabeth Street, London SE1 2JE<\/p>\n

7. Bentall Centre \"InsidePhoto: iSky Media via Shutterstock <\/p>\n

The Bentall Centre\u2019s soaring, cathedral-like interoir <\/strong>is a retail safe haven with severe postmodern exuberance\u2013making it a real treat for all the senses.<\/p>\n

Its dramatic arches and bold forms are a far cry from the more brutalist<\/a> shopping centres from earlier decades\u2013presenting itself in an almost Victorian-like manner. So, the next time you fancy a shopping spree, stop by the Bentall Centre to witness postmodern excellence in its finest form.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccd Bentalls Shopping Centre, Wood St, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1TP<\/p>\n

8. Limehouse Link Tunnels \"PostmodernPhoto: Jim Osley, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons <\/p>\n

Known for the iconic sculpture that dominates its exterior, the Limehouse Link Tunnel<\/strong> is a rare example of postmodern infrastructure with its overly decorative flourishes and exagurated forms.<\/p>\n

These details have transformed a functional car tunnel into an architectural statement, reflecting the movement\u2019s belief that even the mundane deserve details<\/strong>\u2013so pop in a car if you have one to check out this hidden gem in postmodern London.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccd A1203, Limehouse, E14, London.<\/p>\n

9. TV-AM Studios \"ExteriorPhoto: Alex Liivet, via Wikimedia Commons <\/p>\n

We\u2019re heading to bustling Camden<\/a> for our next entry, which is Terry Farrel\u2019s TV-AM Studios (1982)<\/strong>. This iconic building on the canal is a riot of shapes and references\u2013most famously, the row of giant eggcups that line its roof<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

It doesn\u2019t stop with the exterior though, as the interiors draw inspiration from anything and everything including Japanese temples to Mesopatmian ziggurats<\/strong>\u2013and yes, I had to google the latter. Home to Paramount and MTV today, it\u2019s become a symbol of media culture and stands proud as one of the UK\u2019s most important postmodern buildings.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccd Prod Mgt Mtv UK, 17-29 Hawley Cres, NW1 8TT<\/p>\n

10. Tower Gateway DLR Station \"TowerPhoto: David Cold Weather via Shutterstock. <\/p>\n

Yes\u2013not only can you pretend to drive the DLR, but you can witness one of London\u2019s finest examples of postmodern architecture. The iconic Tower Gateway DLR station<\/strong> is a showcase for not only postmodern design, but transport and urban design too.<\/p>\n

With bold geometry and colours<\/strong> that set it apart from its historic surroundings, it\u2019s an absolute must-see if you\u2019re an architecture nerd like me.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccdGoodman\u2019s Yard, London E1 8AT, UK<\/p>\n

So there we have it\u2013the best postmodern buildings in London for your next architecture adventure<\/strong>. From funky train stations to unbelievably beautiful houses, we truly have it all!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Photo: elinaxx1v via Shutterstock London\u2019s buildings aren\u2019t shy to show off a little\u2013whether it be Gothic spires, glass…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":119870,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7757],"tags":[748,393,6968,4884,2348,257,53559,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-119869","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-london","8":"tag-britain","9":"tag-england","10":"tag-exhibition","11":"tag-great-britain","12":"tag-history","13":"tag-london","14":"tag-reading-literature","15":"tag-uk","16":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/114546023580396498","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119869","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=119869"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119869\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/119870"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=119869"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=119869"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=119869"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}