Alain's Special Building


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: ArchitectureArchitecture Theme  DanceDance Theme
Alain's Special Building

Author Alain de Botton finds this building an inspiration

Ranking This Month: 1807/2925

Pages Hit This Month: 41


Credits: http://www.laban.org/

1» Gorgeous, won the Stirling Prize I think, deservedly so. (Ade)
Posted by Ade on 2011-02-26

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Lloyd's Building», 3.5km

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Harcourt House's Odd Duke», 5.9km

Stockwell Bus Garage», 4.4km

Heron Tower», 3.6km

The Royal Military Academy», 3.3km

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