Going Global! Our Favourite World Buildings
We are going global in this our second blog about our favourite buildings. Last time we concentrated on things a little closer to home when we considered Welsh built heritage (Our Favourite Welsh Buildings) but now we are casting the net wide and discussing where, what and why certain buildings produce an emotional response. You will also get some idea of the places our staff get to when not working hard here in Wales!
1. Cologne Cathedral, Germany
This is the choice of Managing Partner, Gareth Richards-Jones. He says, “When I was about 15, I went on a coach tour with the school orchestra. It was my first time abroad and we went sightseeing in Cologne. I didn’t really know what we were going to look at and I don’t think I really cared until I saw the Cathedral. I was amazed at its sheer size and complexity and it’s left a lasting impression.”
Building started in 1248 and took over 600 years to complete. The twin towers of the cathedral dominate the Cologne skyline and at 515ft it was the world’s tallest building until 1884. In 1996, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Sky Tower, Auckland, New Zealand
Talking of tall buildings, our next choice is from native New Zealander and Building Surveyor, Tim Kennedy. He says, “I’m going to have to be a bit biased and go for the Sky Tower. It is an unmistakable presence in the Auckland skyscape and offers fantastic views of the surrounding area. It has a very futuristic appearance which I like.”
Built between 1994-97, the Sky Tower is an observation and communications tower. At 328m it is the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern hemisphere and if you are feeling brave is also available to the public for base jumping by wire!
3. The Lloyd’s Building, London, England
In our favourite Welsh buildings blog, Surveyor Jamie Davies chose the Senedd building designed by architect Richard Rogers. This time, he has chosen another famous Richard Rogers design, The Lloyd’s Building, London.
Jamie says, “This was brought to my attention during my college years. It’s also known as the ‘Inside-Out Building’ and looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie rather than Lime Street in London.”
Built between 1978-86 to house the insurance institution Lloyd’s of London, all the services including water pipes, staircases and lifts are on the outside and it is one of the most recognisable buildings in London. It was Grade 1 listed in 2011 and was the youngest ever building to receive this protection.
4. Goddards, Surrey, England
Another British building but a very different architectural style! Goddards was built by Edwin Lutyens in 1898-1900 “as a Home of Rest to which ladies of small means might repair for holidays”. Now owned by the Lutyens Trust and leased to the Landmark Trust, the house is still available for holidays.
Eleanor Richards-Jones, Partner says, “I love Arts and Crafts style and the work of Edwin Lutyens in particular. In fact, I was lucky enough to grow up in a wonderful Arts and Crafts house although nothing as grand as Goddards! It is just so restful and so very English Country House! Since I’ve only viewed Goddards from the outside, it is definitely on my wish list for my next holiday!”
5. The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
Located in another UNESCO World Heritage Site, our final choice is from Elizabeth Yardley-Richards, Cardiff Office Manager. She recalls, “It was Easter 1981 and I caught the train from La Spezia to Pisa. I got off the train thinking I have no idea where this famous building is located but I carried on walking, turned a corner and stopped dead in my tracks. What an astonishing sight! I climbed all the way to the top of the Tower (you could in those days!) and the view was spectacular over the surrounding countryside.” Elizabeth adds, “In 1990, the Tower was closed for about 10 years whilst a British engineer undertook a plan to stabilise it. Apparently, it has now stopped moving for the first time in its 900 year history.”
