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Building Utopia: The Barbican Centre

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Building Utopia: The Barbican Centre by Nicholas Kenyon takes readers on an exploration of the history and development of the Barbican Centre, a landmark of modernist architecture in London. The book delves into the Centre's visionary design, its cultural significance, and the role it plays in contemporary arts and culture. It offers insights into the collaborative process of building a space that aspires to be a hub for artistic innovation and community engagement.
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Format: Hardback
$8500
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

If you are intrigued by architectural marvels and cultural evolution, you might enjoy this book, which delves into the creation and significance of the Barbican Centre. With insights from Nicholas Kenyon, it explores the intersection of urban planning and the arts, offering a comprehensive look at one of London's most iconic cultural landmarks.

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A sumptuous celebration of London's internationally famous Barbican Arts Centre for the 40th anniversary of its opening in 1982.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A sumptuous celebration of London's internationally famous Barbican Arts Centre for the 40th anniversary of its opening in 1982.

A beautifully designed celebration of the 40th birthday of the Barbican Arts Centre, in the heart of the City of London. It is the largest multi-arts centre in Europe, encompassing an art gallery, theatres, concert halls, cinemas, and a much-loved conservatory. Regular collaborators include the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Compiled by the Barbican's managing director Sir Nicholas Kenyon, Building Utopia: The Barbican Centre is an in-depth exploration of the centre, drawing on the vast array of material available in its archives, much of which has never been seen before. It includes plans and photographs from the centre's design and construction, original signage and branding, and brochures and programmes. All this is accompanied by a wealth of photographs of the huge range of performances and exhibitions that have taken place over the years, from early RSC performances to the popular Rain Room installation of 2012, to today's impressive programme of events put together in conjunction with schools and the local community. The book's authoritative and evocative text includes:

  • Foreword by Fiona Shaw
  • Introduction by Sir Nicholas Kenyon
  • Cultural historian Robert Hewison on how the centre came into being
  • Architectural historian Elain Harwood on its architecture
  • Music critic Fiona Maddocks on music
  • Writer and theatre critic Lyn Gardner on theatre
  • Editor and creative director Tony Chambers on visual art
  • Author and film critic Sukhdev Sandhu on film

With listings of Barbican events from 1982 to the present day, and snippets of oral history from some of the many people associated with the centre over the years, this sumptuous book is an invaluable companion to one of the world's most important cultural spaces.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781849946810

Publisher: Batsford

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 10 February 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Batsford

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 210.0mm

Height: 280.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 288

About the Author

Sir Nicholas Kenyon is the managing director of the Barbican Arts Centre. He is a former Controller of BBC Radio 3 and Director of the BBC Proms, and has been a music critic for The New Yorker, The Times and The Observer.

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