Alain's Special Building

Author Alain de Botton finds this building an inspiration
Location: Creekside, SE8 3DZ
Description: Author Alain de Botton has revealed his favourite structures in the United Kingdom...and this is one.
The 'Laban Dance Centre' in Deptford is one of the two buildings in the UK designed by the fabulous Swiss duo Herzog and de Meuron (the other is the Tate Modern).
The pair started off as cool modernists but abandoned the austerity of modernism and are taking a more playful route.
Laban, a dance conservatoire in southeast London, is an example of the new interest in ornamentation and prettiness. It's a remarkably delicate looking building.
The walls are made of translucent glass and are lined with coloured lights, so that it's like looking at a box of sweets through a frosted glass jar. Day or night, the light washes out from the building on to the surrounding grey landscape.
Architects like Herzog and de Meuron seem to be rediscovering the idea that buildings should be playful and beautiful, as well as functional and efficient.
Tours: London in 4 days
Themes: Architecture

Author Alain de Botton finds this building an inspiration |
Ranking This Month: 2167/2895
Pages Hit This Month: 19
Credits: http://www.laban.org/
Other places nearby:
BT Telecoms Tower», 5.8km
Birth of Architect Edwin Lutyens», 6.6km
Evelyn Grace Academy», 3.8km
Marble Hill House», 12.km
Turner and Rushgrove House», 3.4km
Royal Artillery Barracks», 3.5km
Eltham Palace Bridge», 3.6km
Big Ben», 4.7km
The Queen's House», 0.7km
Camden Place», 5.9km