An awesome structure
Lloyd's London
At first sight the Lloyds building of London looks like a strange and alien-like building. Yet when looked upon at a closer distance it is quite an awesome structure. The building itself appears to be from a new age science fiction film, with it??s steel exterior, and guards at all the entrances, the building itself emits an aura of power and strength, much like the corporation it was designed for.
Architects and engineers
The Lloyds building designed by Richard Rogers Partnership in conjunction with Ove Arup and Partners, is said to have brought London Architecture to a new level of modernism.
Completed in 1986, the building itself is termed a celebration of steel and glass; to which was evidence of ??high tech?? architecture, in the 1980??s. The building is constructed of 12, 16 metre wide concentric galleries overlooking a central atrium. There are 6 towers supporting the main structure and containing the service elements (lifts, refuse chutes, and air conditioning) however these towers are housed outside of the building so that interior space is maximized, as well as to allow for easy, unobtrusive access to the service elements.
The office itself was designed not in the usual office style, but in more of an open-plan style so that co-workers could view each other, and the city through the triple glazed glass.
In keeping with the post-modernist era, moving forward into the future, while treasuring elements of the past, the main atrium of the Lloyds building houses the famous Lutine Bell. For a more spectacular view visit the Lloyds building at night to take in the full effect of this architectural feat illuminated against the city skyline.
Submitted by: Sarah Doherty (Worcester Polytechnic Institute), 21 January 2007
