Post what you think are the most futuristic buildings. :)

Selfridge's in Birmingham

And the CJC in Manchester

Birmingham Selfridges and soon The Cube! both in Birmingham, also the Gherkin.

SwissRe, nothing else even comes close.

Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth

SwissRe, nothing else even comes close.


Disagree - Sefridges is clearly in the same league. In fact Swiss RE looks less out of place.

Sainsbury's Greenwich - green green green! :)

http://www.luxmoore.co.uk/retail/images/sainsbury.jpg

SwissRE & Selfridges are the obvious choices, CJC is a good shout it may not look it at the moment but when it's finished that should be something to crow about. Spinakker Tower isn't for me but the Cube should be fantastic as should the Shard.

http://static.flickr.com/49/125824263_8dbe5c997a.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/48/133704605_b5f552df0d.jpg?v=0

dominance on skyline


http://static.flickr.com/41/125573394_9e9ea1e29b.jpg?v=0

What does "futuristic" mean? Jazzy funky external appearance or eco-friendly, sustainable and desirable?

Jazzy funky external appearance....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/08375953.jpg

Not sure if I like that one.

Out

http://www.economist.com/images/20031122/4703SB1.jpg

and in

http://www.archimage.co.uk/Images/Interiors/006Interiors.jpg

looks nice inside but horrible outside! ...only during the night it looks nice outside. SwissRe is still better inside & outside!

Sell fridges?

Personal taste and all that, but it looks increadable, when you walk around it at ground level all the disks seem to move in a weird optical illusion sort of thing. It certianlly more Jazzy funky external appearance than the Rounded Rounda dawn sarf!


Possibly. As I've not seen it in the flesh, so I've really no idea!

Anyway The going to be built Cube!

http://www.thecubeiscoming.com/images/gallery/Wallpaper800x600_2.jpg

http://www.thecubeiscoming.com/images/gallery/Wallpaper800x600_1.jpg

At the view from the top bit:

http://www.thecubeiscoming.com/images/gallery/Wallpaper800x600_7.jpg

Not too sure about this one, but I'm glad it's being build, and it was def. the best of the 5 or so designes for the site.

Possible, well probable design for the replacement of Birmingham's Digbeth National Express Coach station

http://i1.tinypic.com/rvkcvq.jpg

The present coach station is 'orrible.

...

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/1640KiteTower_pic1.jpg

Kite Tower, Leeds. Currently site-less (originally to be on the site of Leeds International Pool)

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/1640KiteTower_pic1.jpg

Kite Tower, Leeds. Currently site-less (originally to be on the site of Leeds International Pool)

A kite without a site :(

Anyways, can't believe no-ones mentioned Lloyds, it's 20+ years old but still seems like it's from another planet especially lit up blue after dark.

I overlook it from my desk, but even seeing it every day doesn't diminish the wow factor.

the kite tower looks good, but it has no location.

Birmingham Selfridges and soon The Cube! both in Birmingham, also the Gherkin.

Agreed

CJC also a worthy nomination

why Urbis hasnt been mentioned i dont know....

Urbis.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/t.woof/gen/Urbis-3502Q-txt.jpg

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/t.woof/gen/Wheel_OX3P1150-av-tx.jpg

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/t.woof/gen/Urbis_IMG_0419-cv-tx.jpg

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/t.woof/gen/Wheel-TriVicIMG_3308-th.jpg

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/t.woof/gen/Urbis_IMGP6473-t-tx.jpg

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/t.woof/gen/Print-Urbis_220504_IMGP8464-t-txt.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/t.woof/gen/urbis-IMGP4316-tc-txt.JPG

Pictures by Tony Woof. http://homepage.ntlworld.com/t.woof/gen/manc.htm

IWMN.

http://www.channel4.com/culture/microsites/B/building/images/img_iwmn_04.jpg

http://www.darkhorse.co.uk/images/warmuseum-2a.jpg

http://www.britishcouncil.org/seminars-themes-arts-0261-image-museum-330x220.jpg

http://www.information-britain.co.uk/hotelimages/11961a.jpg

http://www.ntticc.or.jp/Archive/2002/Daniel_Libeskind/Works/Image/imperial03.jpg

http://www.manchestermolecularimaging.com/pictures/iwmn(1).jpg

http://www.galinsky.com/buildings/iwmnorth/iwm-n-air-shard-window.jpg

http://www.galinsky.com/buildings/iwmnorth/iwm-n-interior-v.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/arts/2004/01/22/saville_iwm_203.jpg

http://www.channel4.com/culture/microsites/B/building/images/img_iwmn_03.jpg


I could go on............

I think Urbis is certainly modern but not futuristic. If it is futuristic I can think of many examples in most cities. The IMWM in Salford is a futuristic looking building though. But really, is it a futuristic building, or is it just the cutting edge architecture of today?

I think Urbis is certainly modern but not futuristic. If it is futuristic I can think of many examples in most cities. The IMWM in Salford is a futuristic looking building though. But really, is it a futuristic building, or is it just the cutting edge architecture of today?

So we're looking at this in terms of advancement, then?

Then it is most certainly the green building in Manchester

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/279GreenBuilding_pic6.jpg

http://www.kidsunlimited.co.uk/images/macintosh3.jpg

I think Urbis is certainly modern but not futuristic. If it is futuristic I can think of many examples in most cities. The IMWM in Salford is a futuristic looking building though. But really, is it a futuristic building, or is it just the cutting edge architecture of today?

Sorry Leeds No 1, but what the F*** are you on about?

I've just seen a pile of hot steaming s*** on the pavement. Is it modern, futuristic, or just the cutting edge of a dogs arse?

Forgot about Urbis but seeing the pictures and in context of the buildings around it, it does look futuristic. However I would go with SwissRea, for this very same reason, only more profound. Selfridges (Birmingham) too also looks futuristic.

Basically Urbis isn't futuristic, its just modern. 'Futuristic' buildings aren't really futuristic, they're just the best and most original examples of 21st century architecture.

its better than anything modern developed in Leeds. Or prove me wrong with some pics? ;)

So what if it is

What is a futuristic building ? all the buildings here are made of concrete, glass, steel. Something we've been doing for over 100 years. Surely a futuristic building is one that is made out of someting entirely new, a building that can change shape, change function, on that can disappear and become a public space, then reappear again. Something we haven't seen or done yet.

No.1's definition is the best and I would agree with it.

Basically Urbis isn't futuristic, its just modern. 'Futuristic' buildings aren't really futuristic, they're just the best and most original examples of 21st century architecture.

http://home.1asphost.com/janstubbs/K2big-1.JPG
http://www.careyjones.co.uk/images/upload/arch_off_lrg/princes_410_04.jpg
Theres some more I cant find images of- Ill have a look around.

I don't really know why, but I am not a fan of Urbis - I think it might be too 'smooth' for my liking. I like what it tries to do - it liberates space behind and opens teh square up a bit, and it gently nudges in on (Exchange?) Square as if to say "look, I'm here" but doesn't quite do it properly.

The Green Building however, I love :)

I don't really know why, but I am not a fan of Urbis - I think it might be too 'smooth' for my liking. I like what it tries to do - it liberates space behind and opens teh square up a bit, and it gently nudges in on (Exchange?) Square as if to say "look, I'm here" but doesn't quite do it properly.

The Green Building however, I love :)

I think i agree with you there bio. The green building is a hidden gem in Manchester.

There is nothing futuristic, modern or cutting edge about that Leeds No1.

http://home.1asphost.com/janstubbs/K2big-1.JPG

Drifting of subject here, but I was very disapointed with the 'City' exhibition in Ubis. I don't know what I was expecting, but..

Quite liked the Sex Pistols thing, too much Westwood, not enough Lydon, but it was quite funny to see his handwritting looks like mine!

LN1, Royal Exchange... Yes.
Dudley House.... errr no.

I don't really see how Urbins is anymore futuristic than K2

Futuristic or a mess?

http://static.flickr.com/54/129114622_d764a45876.jpg?v=0

Thats Stab, err Star city Birmingham.

Also:

St. Patricks Day, and you all know what this is:

http://static.flickr.com/52/116496210_596919ae57.jpg?v=0

I like it- looks like that thing in Toy Story, forgotten the name of it- where they go out for the evening.

I don't really see how Urbins is anymore futuristic than K2

K2 is just a very bland tower block with a pointed corner. WOW! :)

Given the choice, I would rather have Urbis any day. Infact, there's no comparison at all. :)

To say its a reclad I think they did a pretty good job.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/49/The_Sage_Gateshead.jpg
How can you forget The Sage?
http://europeforvisitors.com/edinburgh/images/edinburgh_scottish_parliament_w_tour_bus_325_p1130192.jpg
Or the Scottish Parliament! Controversial but certainly futuristic- a building ahead of its time but one which will grow on people.

The Sage is fabulous.

Scottish Parliament is IMO not worthy of praise (anything that costs 10 times it's budget is bad) and for me; ugly. It was designed from above and inside, not from pedestrian level.

The Welsh Assembly is pretty cool though :)

What about the Public, sorry pUBLIC in West brom? and the Science centre in Glasgow?

edited to add (photo by the Boy David, ta!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y124/the_boy_david/tower2.jpg

This is probably more an example of good lighting than futuristic building design?

http://static.flickr.com/47/110901419_4c0d22adc3.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/55/110901417_186025baed.jpg?v=0

Birmingham Rough Diamond anyone?

http://tinypic.com/illyye.jpg

Rough Diamond? Not in our lifetime, alas.

Cube though? Yeah!

That Kite looks really futuristic. I think the Shard London Bridge Tower, as well as Bishopsgate Tower, 20 Fenchurch (Walkie Talkie) and Beetham Tower.

Urbis is quite nice, but I'd agree it's more modern than futuristic, as is the 122 Leadenhall.

Possible, well probable design for the replacement of Birmingham's Digbeth National Express Coach station

http://i1.tinypic.com/rvkcvq.jpg

The present coach station is 'orrible.

That looks really similar to the design for the ROM's Crystal addition in Toronto! The Sage is gorgeous too! What is it? A train station?

I don't really see how Urbins is anymore futuristic than K2

Are you serious?

K2, well its pretty turd really. The Jerb's correct. Urbis is everything k2 isn't and more, visa versa. No comparisons...

Understandble though, some people are overtly stupid on these forums, want to stand out purposefully, in an attempt to seem inteligent, thus representing themselves wiser than the rest of us...

wait i sound stupid now, cursed...

That looks really similar to the design for the ROM's Crystal addition in Toronto! The Sage is gorgeous too! What is it? A train station?

Its a National Bus Station.

01) The Millennium Dome
02) Eden project biomes
03) Lords Media Centre
04) Birmingham Selfridges
05) Sage Gateshead
06) Glasgow Armadillo
07) Swiss Re
08) Canary Wharf Tube
09) Eurostar Terminal Waterloo
10) 88 Wood Street
11) Lloyds Registry of Shipping
12) London Eye

nice

Definatley CJC in Manchester.it looks like something from a sci fi movie and is very intimidating in the flesh. Also Swiss-re and Brum sefridges though the latter lacks the sheer scale of CJC and Swiss-re.The Lloyds building looks very futuristic to me also.

God i hope you dont think the Sage is a Bus Station. It's a £70m centre for music designed by Norman Foster opened last summer.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/marc_elliott/DSCF0171.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/marc_elliott/DSCF0164.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/marc_elliott/DSCF0144.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/marc_elliott/DSCF0105.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/marc_elliott/DSCF0103.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/marc_elliott/DSCF0089.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/marc_elliott/DSCF0072.jpg

it seems strange to have a thread about futuristic buildings withouth this one being mention.. 40 years and still looks amazing
http://www.123lcc.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/post/Met%20Cathedral.JPG

To say its a reclad I think they did a pretty good job.
Its okay, but its not fantastic. Doesnt even come close to the architectural value of Urbis.

This was pretty futuristic when it opened:
http://static.flickr.com/40/116765897_362120871a.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/41/114722026_519a605b56.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/43/81011857_0dacd601bd.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/56/130177249_9bc0cd6d67.jpg?v=0

Definatley CJC in Manchester.it looks like something from a sci fi movie and is very intimidating in the flesh. Also Swiss-re and Brum sefridges though the latter lacks the sheer scale of CJC and Swiss-re..

I hope you're joking right, Selfridges is gigantic

http://www.virtualbrum.co.uk/images/bullring180903/sel6.jpg
http://www.virtualbrum.co.uk/images/bullring180903/sel5.jpg
http://www.danda.be/data/reviews/122/selfridges_birmingham_4.jpg
http://www.arkitektnytt.no/images/large/future%20sys%20%20Night%2005_2.jpg

and what it looks like on the skyline coming in to New Street

http://www.virtualbrum.co.uk/images/skyline/skyline0406.jpg

Still lacks the scale of CJC and Swiss Re though Sim. CJC's a leviathan.

Still lacks the scale of CJC and Swiss Re though Sim. CJC's a leviathan.


Does it? Swiss RE maybe, but im pretty sure the area of Selfridges is bigger then CJC. Obviosuly CJC is taller and is more noticble from distanct, but up close and personal. Na huh.

Does it? Swiss RE maybe, but im pretty sure the area of Selfridges is bigger then CJC. Obviosuly CJC is taller and is more noticble from distanct, but up close and personal. Na huh.

Here you go Slim.

Just wait until all the scaffolding is taken down and the area around CJC is cleared. :) Click on the link for further pics. Scroll down the page.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture182y.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture184yyx.jpg

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=247546&page=27&pp=20

Does it? Swiss RE maybe, but im pretty sure the area of Selfridges is bigger then CJC. Obviosuly CJC is taller and is more noticble from distanct, but up close and personal. Na huh.

I don't think you've ever been 'up close and personal' with cjc have you slim?

Seriously.

I wouldn't normally call an 81m high building mighty huge, but this is mighty mighty huge.

i have and from the Salford side I love it. Still not as impressive or futuristic as Selfridges though.

I don't think you've ever been 'up close and personal' with cjc have you slim?

Seriously.

I wouldn't normally call an 81m high building mighty huge, but this is mighty mighty huge.

No you're quite right I havent and from the images it does look truly HUGE. but having a bigger impact then Selfridges in general, I still beg to differ. Seeing 15,000 alluminium discs approaching you and its curve is just immense, plus as Rigadon has pointed out its still not nearly as futuristic although it's so pleasing to the eye I almost wet myself.

Err.. boys, this is about the most Futuristic building, not who's got the biggest one.

i have and from the Salford side I love it. Still not as impressive or futuristic as Selfridges though.

Selfridges is great but in my opinion CJC is bolder and far more avant-garde. This maybe to do with buildings purpose. Just looking at the CJC makes you want to confess.

CJC is very "Bladerunner/Dune" like. I really like the Selfridges building but in my opinion CJC is far more majestic and recherche.

plus as Rigadon has pointed out its still not nearly as futuristic although it's so pleasing to the eye I almost wet myself.

I agree/

even though i dont like what ive seen of it, i'd say selfridges in birmingham, or the eden project if that counts. i also like a few of MOnkey's examples, the sage and lloyd's shipping registry are sublime.

Righty, Glasgow hasn't really had a mention apart from the science centre, so I thought I'd give it a bash. Some are not that futuristic - just an interesting mix of architecture.

First off is Cineworld, very tall, very Bladerunner, and it's got a huge presence:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y124/the_boy_david/Cineworld.jpg



Next is the Science Centre - quite unique:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y124/the_boy_david/294GlasgowScienceTower_pic1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y124/the_boy_david/Oldandnew.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y124/the_boy_david/gsc_ir.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y124/the_boy_david/GH_1_1lg.gif



The Armadillo concert hall - Norman Foster's sort of iconic venue up here:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y124/the_boy_david/TheArmadillo.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y124/the_boy_david/secc_glasgow_fosters_P4.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y124/the_boy_david/secc_glasgow_fosters_P5.jpg



The St Enoch Centre - Largest Glass structure in Europe - it's absolutely HUGE, built 20 years ago and still looks futuristic:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y124/the_boy_david/night_shot.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y124/the_boy_david/st_enoch_centre_ext.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y124/the_boy_david/st_enoch_centre_int.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y124/the_boy_david/st_enoch_centre_outside.jpg



The Sentinel Building - LED's change colour constantly, allowing any number of patterns to be created (they tested the system by displaying a boogy-night's dance floor on the building):

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y124/the_boy_david/332TheSentinel_pic6.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y124/the_boy_david/332TheSentinel_pic18.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y124/the_boy_david/332TheSentinel_pic14.jpg

http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/7/herberts15ex.jpg

http://img336.imageshack.us/img336/1023/herberts23qi.jpg

Selfridges is great but in my opinion CJC is bolder and far more avant-garde. This maybe to do with buildings purpose. Just looking at the CJC makes you want to confess.

CJC is very "Bladerunner/Dune" like. I really like the Selfridges building but in my opinion CJC is far more majestic and recherche.
CJC is huge but I think Bullring is better. Bullring is majestic too. ;)

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/642LloydsBuilding_pic6.jpg

I'm sticking to Selfridges. Nothing has to be big to be beautiful. I think the sheer impact of seeing such architecture at the end of a road which is predominantly Victorian red brick style is hard to beat.

I think Urbis is certainly modern but not futuristic. If it is futuristic I can think of many examples in most cities. The IMWM in Salford is a futuristic looking building though. But really, is it a futuristic building, or is it just the cutting edge architecture of today?

It (Imperial War Museum North) is a poor man's "Guggenheim", it looks dreadful ...... cheap ...... tacky .... and dated already!!!

http://www.**************************/php-cgi/gallery2/d/1637-2/020405_018.jpg

It's got to be Selfridges, Birmingham ....... the 3rd most photographed building in the UK!

It (Imperial War Museum North) is a poor man's "Guggenheim", it looks dreadful ...... cheap ...... tacky .... and dated already!!!

Yawn. Just like your posts. :)

BTW. IWMN would look great in any city.

Some great pics from Glasgow BoyDavid..:)

Bunny what is that funky building you have posted, looks fab .

Herberts Hairdressing school in Liverpool. It used to be on Paradise St, but is now on a block with the new BBC/Quakers building on Hanover Street. :)

Cheers Bunny , i love it .

I need to get my ass over to the Pool , not been for ages .

Well give us a bell when you do. I'll organise a lynch mob to meet you in Dr Duncans if you like? :cheers:

Hehe ,, will do :cheers:

I've just realised how the Allianz Arena is a selfridges clone! :D

The Gold hairdressing school site (where it is now)use to be just a hole in the ground with a little portcabin newsagent thingy stuck there.

The Last time I went past a builder was telling a little old Lady that the fancy stick out room was just for show. Can't but help thinking that the building is just your bog standard glass fronted modist with fancy gold bits of no real importance stuck on the side, just a bit of fun. But as it is a Hairdressers, that's cool!

Edited to add the BBC building just down the road is a bit funky too, I like the little tower thing on the top. But it just seems too small, like it's a 3/4 scale model or something.

That said, if you like building sites, the " 'pool" is well worth a vist now!

Supose we could also add the Unity Building(s), as it's got some unsual cladding.

It (Imperial War Museum North) is a poor man's "Guggenheim", it looks dreadful ...... cheap ...... tacky .... and dated already!!!

It's funny that you should mention the Guggenheim actually, as both buildings were designed by the same architect. :weirdo:

http://static.flickr.com/44/134400690_85e6b157ed.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/41/120657430_8e76b4b8ea.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/39/106757053_98b19636a9.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/46/125188066_b1a484a2d3.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/54/125187763_20766c70a5.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/12/14126918_f749f9fa83.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/46/146264348_dc6110c832.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/23/40875896_8e0d414433.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/3/3551678_101f9d18bb.jpg?v=0

Yeh, very fucking cheap, arse hole.

I like it but I think all the Libeskind buildings I've seen look quite similar. Maybe too much so. My favourite building by him is the Jewish Museum in Berlin. Here's a picture I took there last year:
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b316/BenL26/CIMG3681.jpg

It's funny that you should mention the Guggenheim actually, as both buildings were designed by the same architect. :weirdo:



c'mon man. Get your facts right.

Indeed Gehry (Guggenheim Bilbao, maggie Dundee...) is quite different from Libeskind.

Fair enough, but Libeskind is hardly cheap and nasty!

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/4252/herbets16ht.jpg

Here's a shot taken by TOM in the Liverpool forums yesterday, captured from a much better angle. :)

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/4252/herbets16ht.jpg

Here's a shot taken by TOM in the Liverpool forums yesterday, captured from a much better angle. :)

very cool building, though it looks more like an 80s throwback than futuristic!

Herberts Hairdressers is designed by Piers Gough I think.

Anyone who's ever encountered Herbert himself, the guy who runs the place, will suddenly understand why the building appears ever-so-slightly camp...

Agree it's more 'eccentric' than 'futuristic', but it's a great jaw-dropper nevertheless.

ooh thats a very nice building- good colours and materials and well composed.

I thought this one was quite nice with edwardian Station and all

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Birmingham%205/PICT001108062006.jpg

Herberts Hairdressing school in Liverpool. It used to be on Paradise St, but is now on a block with the new BBC/Quakers building on Hanover Street. :)

Herberts eh! Very impressive, Gotta be one of the best buildings outside Manchester at the moment, Herberts would not look out of place in Dubai. Very good Bunnyman! Worth a visit to Pool just for that building.

I absolutly love that Herbert's building ,,wicked , love it :)

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/4252/herbets16ht.jpg

Here's a shot taken by TOM in the Liverpool forums yesterday, captured from a much better angle. :)
It would be nice to have something like that in Preston.

Liverpool has two!
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9725/imgp01209qp.jpg

(I know it's the same post as I've just put up in the Liverpool one, but I just thought I'd share!)

That's not futuristic it's a pile of shite or are you being sarcastic? :)

I was just pointing out the resemblance, I though it looked pretty good from that angle, or maybe that was just the photographer (not me BTW), anyway, shut up, maybe you could sell it to Preston or something?

also just found this:

http://i6.tinypic.com/152nvno.jpg