After a weeks break for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, we are now back for Week 4 of Our Favourite Buildings series. There’s a real variety this week with us travelling from New York all the way to Abu Dhabi. What’s your favourite building?
Houses of Parliament, London
Having studied politics at university, it’s a passion of mine and it was a highlight of my career at MRG when we had the opportunity to appoint to the newly created role of Technical Engagement Manager at UK Parliament. It’s always been my favourite building in the world to visit and is so steeped in history. It never gets dull, and I was fortunate to see Prime Minister’s Questions at my last visit.
Battersea Power Station, London
There is nothing more breathtaking than viewing the spectacle of the sun rising behind this iconic four chimney structure on the River Thames!
Built by the London Power Company (LPC) to the design of Leonard Pearce, Engineer in Chief to the LPC & CS Allott & Son Engineers. The architects were J.Theo Halliday & Giles Gilbert Scott. The building comprises of 2 power stations; Battersea A Power Station was built between 1929 – 1935 and Battersea B Power Station, between 1937 and 1941. The building was completed in 1955.
A few of my favourite facts about it are:
- Construction was paused because of the 2nd World War
- At its peak, it supplied a fifth of London’s electricity.
- In 1980, Battersea Power Station was given Grade II listed status.
- It has featured on Pink Floyds 1977 Animals album cover.
- It was a coal-fired power station.
The station is one of the world’s largest brick buildings & notable for its original Art Deco interior fittings and décor. After decades of sitting derelict, it has now been redeveloped into one of London’s most exciting and innovative new destinations. As of 2021, the building & overall 42 acres site development is owned by a consortium of Malaysian investors – consisting of 20 bars, restaurants, shops, entertainment, leisure venues and residential homes.
The Pantheon, Rome
The Pantheon in Rome, Italy is probably my favourite building. The Pantheon was built between 119 – 128 AD, and was originally a church for Pagan worshippers. As you walk in, you will see that it has a huge hole in the centre of the roof, which is there by design, and it still holds the record for the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. It is also a sentimental place for me as I visited The Pantheon on my honeymoon.
Summit One Vanderbilt, New York
I recently visited Summit One Vanderbilt in New York City, which was an incredible and fun new way to see the New York Skyline.
The concept behind the SUMMIT is visitors are encouraged to ascend from the street to the sky, where views stretch to the horizon, and the city reveals its magnificence! The observation deck sits at the top of the brand-new skyscraper that towers over Grand Central. It provides one of the best new views of the city and you see rare views of the Chrysler Building to the Empire State Building and Central Park. It’s a stand-out experience with loads to offer and we especially loved the floor-to-ceiling windows and mirrors!
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
Located in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the key place of worship for daily prayers. The beautifully constructed place of worship Is made up of mostly natural materials such as marble, stone, gold, crystals, and semi-precious stones. With beautiful floral-patterned walls, gold plated chandeliers this mosque is a truly spiritual and majestic place to visit.
Michelin House, London
Michelin House, the former headquarters of the Michelin Tyre Company built in 1911, was vacated in 1985 and turned into a high-quality restaurant, Bibendum, in 1987 by Terence Conran. This has seen illustrious chefs such as Simon Hopkinson and Claude Bosi grace its kitchens, with the latter taking it to Michelin Star status. Its striking, stained-glass windows and unique build has seen it hailed as one of the most unique restaurant settings in London. It’s also a stone’s throw from my old flat, on the Fulham Road, and somewhere I walked past every day for 3 years.
Missed Week 1? You can read all about it here.
Missed Week 2? You can read all about it here.
Missed Week 3? You can read all about it here.
Missed Week 5? You can read all about it here.
Missed Week 6? You can read all about it here.