Barbican Centre, London

Barbican Centre is the largest performing arts centre in Europe. Located in the north of the City of London, England, in the heart of the Barbican Estate, the Centre hosts classical and contemporary music concerts, theatrefilm screenings and art exhibitions. It also houses a library, three restaurants, and a conservatory. The London Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra are based in the Barbican Centre's concert hall.

Award-winning architectural practice Allford Hall Monaghan Morris has restored and enhanced many of the original design features.
Finally the Barbican has a new front door on Silk Street, while Alex Hartley’s new light wall installation in the main entrance captures the buzz inside. Additionally, every venue has undergone major work, including the huge improvements to the acoustics in Barbican Hall.

Strengths
Simple and clear design
Strong references to identity
Effective use of color contrast

Weaknesses
Simplicity in design may lead visitors to confusion while navigating in a complex and large building of Barbican Centre.

Proposal for Barbican silk Street Entrance

Original architects Chamberlain, Powell and Bonn design for Barbican Silk Street entrance.

Silk Street 13

Architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris has given the Barbican a front door, which reinforces the Barbican’s strong identity, the new front door echoes many of the features of the original design.