Tate Modern

Herzog & de Meuron
1994-2000
former Bankside Power Station, originally designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in two stages between 1947 and 1963; closed in 1981
These photographs were taken in 2003.




Herzog & de Meuron won the competition to build a new building to house modern art with their idea of reinventing the current building rather than demolishing it. The factory style of the original building is also continued in the interior with stell girders and cement floors. This monumental structure faces across the Thames St Paul's Cathedral, a connection enhanced by the pedestrian bridge. (See additional views of Millennium Bridge.)Although it was designed for about 2 million visitors a year, it receives more than 4 million.

The light beam on top of the roof is the most evident alteration to the original structure, providing a contrast to the tall chimney and the dark brick of the original facade.
 

Narrow vertical windows lighting the interior; discrete minimalist entrance



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© 2015 Mary Ann Sullivan. I have photographed (on site), scanned, and manipulated all the images on these pages. Please feel free to use them for personal or educational purposes. They are not available for commercial purposes.