new map celebrates london's postmodern heritage, highlighting works by robert venturi

blue crow’s new map surveys london’s postmodern architecture

blue crow’s latest map celebrates london’s postmodern architecture, dating from the late 1970s. composed by historian owen hopkins, and photographer nigel green, the new publication features iconic buildings designed by world-renowned firms, including robert venturi and denise scott brown, james stirling, john outram and CZWG. ‘postmodern london map’ presents an overview of over fifty projects, ranging from residences and office buildings, to industrial facilities and even a stormwater pumping station.

isle of dogs stormwater pumping station, john outram associates, 1985-1988

all images by nigel green for blue crow media

bright colors and bold decorations

in the new map by blue crow media(find more here), one can find some of the most emblematic postmodern buildings in london. the publication is formed as a two-sided guide including a map of the metropolis with over fifty selected buildings marked, an introduction by owen hopkins (find more here), and original photography by nigel green(find more here). in said photographs, one can expect to see the bright colors, bold decorations, and diverse references that characterize the distinctive projects.

one of the buildings included in the map is john outram’s colorful isle of dogs stormwater pumping station. built between 1986 and 1988, the project is known for its outlandish design, brightly decorated façade, and ornate columns. the guide also highlights james stirling’s expressive number 1 poultry bank which was completed in 1997 and features a distinctive stripy brick facade and a clock tower. among the pages of the guide map, one can also find robert venturi and denise scott brown’s classically-inspired sainsbury wing 1991 extension of the national gallery.

1 poultry, james sterling michael wilford and associates, 1988-1998

protecting london’s late 20th-century heritage

in addition, the publication shines new light on some of east london’s former industrial areas such as the docklands and canary wharf where postmodern architecture gives new character and identity. CZWG’s residential projects such as china wharf and the cascades brought bold colors and shapes to the thames. meanwhile, at canary wharf one can become immersed in london’s most intensive manifestation of 1980s and 90s commercial postmodernism.

the postmodern london map launches at a moment of renewed interest in the vibrant architectural movement, when new generations of architects are increasingly adopting postmodern approaches. with only a small number of london’s postmodern buildings listed, this map is expected to inspire more admirers of the movement, who can help protect london’s late 20th-century heritage.

china wharf, CZWG, 1985-1988