London’s buildings aren’t shy to show off a little–whether it be Gothic spires, glass skyscrapers, or stately Georgian townhouses. But for those who like their cityscapes with some playful rebellion, London’s postmodern buildings are where the weird meets the wonderful in the most unexpected ways.
Forget the polite symmetry of classicism or the earnest minimalism of modernism; postmodernism is London’s architectural wild card that’s loud and proud across the city. The architectural movement emerged in London during the 1970s and 1980s, fueled by economic stagnation and a desire for change from the shortcomings of the previous architectural eras and their bleak connotations.
From unique sewage pumping stations to incredibly quirky details on some of the capital’s most beloved buildings, these architectural hotspots are bold, brash, and utterly unbothered by the rules set before them. So, without further ado, here are some of the best postmodern buildings in London that you need to see to believe!
1. The Cosmic House
Nestled in the heart of Holland Park, The Cosmic House is the ultimate manifesto of postmodernism, concieved by the architecutal icon and theorist Charles Jencks, along with his wift Maggie. Built between 1978 and 1983, it’s a kaleidoscope of symbols, metaphors, and references–with every room jam-packed with details. Each section of the house is dedicated to a paticular season of the year–playing with your emotions and mood throughout.
You can now visit The Cosmic House for guided tours and a little nosey around, although tickets do sell out very quickly. For more information, click here to visit their official website.
📍 19 Lansdowne Walk, London, W11 3AH.
2. SIS Building (MI6 Headquarters)
Perhaps London’s most iconic postmodern building, the SIS Building–better know as the MI6 headquarters–is a fortress-like structure inspired by the 1930s power stations and Mayan temples. This unique combo was designed and created by Terry Farrell and Partners, being completed in 1994.
Its layered, faceted form, as well as its bold use of materials make it instantly recognisable on the Thames, especially if you’re a fan of James Bond. The building’s secrative aura is matched with a complex, security-focused design, making it a must-visit pitstop on your postmodern tour of Lonodn.
📍 85 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TP
3. Isle of Dogs Pumping Station
Perhaps one of London’s more unique postmodern buildings, the Isle of Dogs Pumping Station is a riot of colour for being a building connected to London’s sewage system. Famed for its bashful colomns and symbolism, it has transformed a mundade utilitity into a theatrical temple, with giant stylized details and a central “eye” that doubles as an extrction fan.
Creating unique (and beautiful) sewage buildings does seem to be a trend here in the capital though. Check out the link below to discover a Victorian beauty with a similar fuction.
📍 Stewart St, London E14 3YH
4. FAT’s Blue House
Designed by the renowned Sean Griffiths for the avant-garde studio FAT (Fashion Architecture Taste), the Blue House (2002) is a cartoon-like, tounge-in-cheek riff on domestice architecture in East London. Its bright blue facade and exaggerated forms blur the link between home and office, while recent rooftop extensions and upkeep have only added to its playfullness.
📍2 Garner St, London E2 9AQ
5. No. 1 Poultry
This is one of London’s most controversial postmodern buildings and for good reason! This wedge-shaped icon at Bank Junction replaced the historic Mappin & Webb building in 1995, causing numerous debates about the preservation of buildings.
Fast forward to today and No. 1 Poultry is now a Grade II* listed building, and is celebrated for being a flagship building for British postmodernism–reinstating how mad it is that places, things, and perception can change in an instant.
📍 3 London Bridge St, London SE1 9S
6. The Circle
Designed by CZWG and completed in 1989, The Circle is a bold (and bright blue) residential complex distinguided by its glazed brickwork and central courtyard. It’s another with playful details honing in on the area’s industrial past–with a charming horse sculpture (pictured above) to boot. If you’re an avid lover of all-things architecture, it’s a true Bermondsey landmark and an absolute classic of the postmodern canon.
📍 Queen Elizabeth Street, London SE1 2JE
7. Bentall Centre
The Bentall Centre’s soaring, cathedral-like interoir is a retail safe haven with severe postmodern exuberance–making it a real treat for all the senses.
Its dramatic arches and bold forms are a far cry from the more brutalist shopping centres from earlier decades–presenting itself in an almost Victorian-like manner. So, the next time you fancy a shopping spree, stop by the Bentall Centre to witness postmodern excellence in its finest form.
📍 Bentalls Shopping Centre, Wood St, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1TP
8. Limehouse Link Tunnels
Known for the iconic sculpture that dominates its exterior, the Limehouse Link Tunnel is a rare example of postmodern infrastructure with its overly decorative flourishes and exagurated forms.
These details have transformed a functional car tunnel into an architectural statement, reflecting the movement’s belief that even the mundane deserve details–so pop in a car if you have one to check out this hidden gem in postmodern London.
📍 A1203, Limehouse, E14, London.
9. TV-AM Studios
We’re heading to bustling Camden for our next entry, which is Terry Farrel’s TV-AM Studios (1982). This iconic building on the canal is a riot of shapes and references–most famously, the row of giant eggcups that line its roof.
It doesn’t stop with the exterior though, as the interiors draw inspiration from anything and everything including Japanese temples to Mesopatmian ziggurats–and yes, I had to google the latter. Home to Paramount and MTV today, it’s become a symbol of media culture and stands proud as one of the UK’s most important postmodern buildings.
📍 Prod Mgt Mtv UK, 17-29 Hawley Cres, NW1 8TT
10. Tower Gateway DLR Station
Yes–not only can you pretend to drive the DLR, but you can witness one of London’s finest examples of postmodern architecture. The iconic Tower Gateway DLR station is a showcase for not only postmodern design, but transport and urban design too.
With bold geometry and colours that set it apart from its historic surroundings, it’s an absolute must-see if you’re an architecture nerd like me.
📍Goodman’s Yard, London E1 8AT, UK
So there we have it–the best postmodern buildings in London for your next architecture adventure. From funky train stations to unbelievably beautiful houses, we truly have it all!