What is Iconic Architecture?

This thread is for the debate about iconic buildings and structures, and for some lovely pics of them :)

Please don't turn it into a slanging match!

IMO iconic architecture is something that doesn't need selling or advertising, and is talked about because people want to talk about it. It may be a benchmark for the future, or epitomise the best in its class. It is likely to represent the city/town area it is in.

Here are some modern examples:

Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
http://www.hago.org.uk/photo-thumbs/spinnaker-tower/0507-tower.jpg

Eden Project, St Austell
http://www.tintagelweb.co.uk/images/Eden%20Project%20Photos/Bubbles.jpg

Tyne Bridge, Newcastle
http://www.ncl.ac.uk/ss15/assets/tyne_bridge.jpg

Selfridges, Birmingham
http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/7/78/180px-Birmingham_Selfridges_building.jpg

30 St Mary Axe, London
http://www.supinfo.fr/SupinfoCommonResources/London%20-%20Gherkin%20building.jpg

The Manchester Hilton

http://www.myfilehut.com/userfiles/153141/upP6290027.jpg

The Manchester Hilton

http://www.myfilehut.com/userfiles/153141/upP6290027.jpg
Errrr no. :bash:

the lowry centre, manchester:

http://www.sarnafil.co.uk/pic_roofing_lowry_centre_uk.jpg

Errrr no. :bash:

Beetham is iconic, whether you'd like to admit it or not babycakes?

In the right context Beetham represents Manchester, just like Selfridges represents Birmingham, the Sage represents Newcastle, the Liver Building represents Liverpool and The Gherkin represents London. All completely different, yet all associated with their respective cities.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture043x.jpg

CJC. (enough said)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture240.jpg

The Manchester Hilton

http://www.myfilehut.com/userfiles/153141/upP6290027.jpg


Errrr no. :bash:

err, yes

might not be everyones cup of tea but it is certainly different and origional.

therefore i think it is iconic

If these buildings were iconic you wouldn't have to include the name of the city they were in!

It may be different and unusual, but that doesn't make it iconic any more than it makes it a cat.

jrb,

I'm not sure that Beetham does represent Manchester in the UK, outside of Manchester or this forum anyway. It's fair to say that the average Joe Public would probably struggle to place any building and associate it readily with a city unless they've actually visited it or read about it. To back that point up, I went to London a couple of weeks ago with my other half, she saw the Gherkin and said 'that's where it is, I always wondered'.

Equally last year I met a group of friends from Manchester in Brum, Selfridges drew a simlar reaction, they all thought it was in London!

To me an iconic building is not necessarily a building to represent a city, it's a building someone looks at says 'wtf is that'. Beetham Manc you may well look at and say wow that's big but that's it. By that measure BT Tower Bham could be classed as iconic. CJC on the other hand (again imo) is or will be a truly iconic building, I can't get enough of it and it definatley has that 'wtf' factor. Also, and I stress that this is merely my opinion Lowry and IWMN are iconic designs that I don't think you Mancs make enough of.

Here are some structures that could be considered 'iconic':

B of the Bang (shite name)

http://static.flickr.com/37/74133533_1c88393ef9_b.jpg

Imperial War Museum north

http://static.flickr.com/3/3551681_0958679565.jpg?v=0

Manchester Town Hall

http://static.flickr.com/54/124218224_decac86d8c_b.jpg

Manchester Central Library

http://static.flickr.com/76/199123497_2b67b1a78d_b.jpg

Urbis

http://static.flickr.com/55/136968089_12f732fb7d_b.jpg

http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/ewm/001ewm/lg/mancc_urbis_corpstvw2123.jpg

However, i'd agree that Manchester doesn't have a 'defining' single iconic building, rather it has several, but to lesser extent. Perhaps what it lacks in a single defining structure it makes up with its style. Abit like what Stephen said in another thread:

See this Picture,

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a366/robinsonworld/HPIM0360.jpg

To be honest, not the greatist buildings in the world, but that's what I like about Manchester, the miles of this good victorian red brick stuff...

Y'know, the trams, coronation street housing, ancient warehouses and mills etc etc. Manchester's 'style', is perhaps iconic.

Beetham is iconic, whether you'd like to admit it or not babycakes?

In the right context Beetham represents Manchester, just like Selfridges represents Birmingham, the Sage represents Newcastle, the Liver Building represents Liverpool and The Gherkin represents London. All completely different, yet all associated with their respective cities.


I don't think the Beetham represents Manchester - none of the Beetham Towers are particularly daring designs (although the height is) and, outside of Manchester and skyscraper fans, not that many people would be able to place it.

And I don't think the Lowry Centre or IWMN are high-profile enough, although when the BBC move to Salford and feature IWMN on more footage it may become better known.

IMO the CJC stands the best chance of becoming Manchester's first nationally or internationally iconic building.

The B of the Bang could be, but lacks the high profile of something like the Angel of the North.

Oh, and isn't Sage in Gateshead, not Newcastle? ;)

I guess, outside of London and this forumn no buildings are iconic on an international scale?

Even though I said Old Trafford before, you wouldn't say it was instantly recognisable, then again probably only the Nou Camp and San Siro are truly original enough to be classed as iconic. (although the San Siro is a disgrace, a total wreck of a place outside of its actual design!)

I just don't see any UK building outside of London being internationally iconic. That will have more to do with media interest being focused on London than the merits of the building. Yes, Brum's Selfridges is unusual, but I don't think an averaged size (not a dig) department store in the UK will reasonate on an international scale.

However, in Uk terms surely Beetham Manc is iconic, like it or lump it it is the 7/8th (if you count Emley Moor) tallest structure in the UK and the only one outside London of any height impact. EVERYONE who comes to Manchester will see it, be impressed by its size (wether you like the design or not) and it will therefore become an iconic symbol of Manchester.

So...outside of London....

Beetham Manc
Brum Selfridges
Liverpool Liver Building (not the other graces)
York Minister
Durham Cathedral
Sailsbury Cathedral
Tyne Bridge
Brighton Pavillion
Blackpool Tower
Portmeirion

List based purely on what is visible to the most people

I think some buildings like the Lowry and IWMN may become iconic but there are plenty of new shiny, silver metal covered buildings in Britain and they are a bit to samey in finish material ....Gateshead thingy, Cardiff thingy, Glasgow thingy and Manchester's two thingy's

Good choice with Portmerion :)

I guess, outside of London and this forumn no buildings are iconic on an international scale?

Even though I said Old Trafford before, you wouldn't say it was instantly recognisable, then again probably only the Nou Camp and San Siro are truly original enough to be classed as iconic. (although the San Siro is a disgrace, a total wreck of a place outside of its actual design!)

I just don't see any UK building outside of London being internationally iconic. That will have more to do with media interest being focused on London than the merits of the building. Yes, Brum's Selfridges is unusual, but I don't think an averaged size (not a dig) department store in the UK will reasonate on an international scale.

However, in Uk terms surely Beetham Manc is iconic, like it or lump it it is the 7/8th (if you count Emley Moor) tallest structure in the UK and the only one outside London of any height impact. EVERYONE who comes to Manchester will see it, be impressed by its size (wether you like the design or not) and it will therefore become an iconic symbol of Manchester.

So...outside of London....

Beetham Manc
Brum Selfridges
Liverpool Liver Building (not the other graces)
York Minister
Durham Cathedral
Sailsbury Cathedral
Tyne Bridge
Brighton Pavillion
Blackpool Tower
Portmeirion

List based purely on what is visible to the most people
Ah,Blackpool tower that to me is iconic, not just to Blackpool but the whole English seaside thing like the piers, fish and chips and sticks of rock etc.I think Beetham Manc is becoming an icon because of it unusal top heavy shape, everyone whose been to Manchester who have not visited for a while have made a comment about,and even the sort of people who are usually indifferent to these things, so it must make a big impression on people.

Cardiff's two 'Millennium's'. The Millennium Centre would be recognised probably by most people in Wales, and by opera fans throughout the UK, and I would reckon that the stadium is probably recognisable around the UK. I would certainly class them as iconic and defining buildings for Cardiff, anyway.

In both cases people have been attracted to events at these venues as much for experiencing the buildings as for the event itself. This factor alone I would say contributes to 'icon' status.


Millennium Centre:

http://www.cardiffonline.net/theatre/wmc.jpg

http://westwales.co.uk/graphics/millennium_centre.jpg

Millennium Stadium:

http://www.sandringham-hotel.com/stade.jpg

I would not consider the Manchester Central Library iconic. And especially not CJC. I did not have a clue that CJC even existed until I read the Rate A Scraper thread. The Rotunda and Selfridges are iconic of Birmingham. Birmingham City Council try to portray Holloway Circus Tower as iconic but it wont be.

I would not consider the Manchester Central Library iconic. And especially not CJC. I did not have a clue that CJC even existed until I read the Rate A Scraper thread. The Rotunda and Selfridges are iconic of Birmingham. Birmingham City Council try to portray Holloway Circus Tower as iconic but it wont be.


wait till the cjc opens, it will be in every architectual magazine

I still dont see whats special about it though.

I think we have to be careful about the word 'iconic' and not confuse it with 'landmark' (many of which the aforementioned buildings are) or 'recognisable'.

The Oxford Dictionary says of an icon:- "a person (or item) regarded with particular admiration or as a representative symbol." Derived from the Greek EIKON - image.

:)

I did not have a clue that CJC even existed

Box, ignorant... :)

What about...
The o2
The Lloyds Building
One Canada Square
Spinnaker Tower
Westminster Palace Clock Tower
Tower Bridge

Stonehendge?

Were the Demons play, and they do play well, etc etc

Stonehenge - of course! :)

What's the O2 samson?

I agree with Spinnaker, Tower Bridge & Westminster Palace - London has so many!

The O2 is the Millenium Dome

Preston Bus Station! :cool:
http://static.flickr.com/26/99850456_cea4b826ff_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/70/167180978_24fe8ab018_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/62/199652028_361c33b4d1_b.jpg

Ah - thanks Telfordboy :cheers:

I quite like Preston Bus Station! :runaway:

Pervert.

The Preston bus station is huge! It's quite nice.

I know, I don't think the o2 will ever catch on.

I love that building! Is it really necessary that it's so big? Also, does it serve any other purpose, or is it simply a bus station.

Subliving.

car park on top- I know that.. But its a really hated building isn't it, because its dark and dull- why is it so big? Surely it can't have as many buses going in and out as a city would- why does it need to be so big!? Even so not complaining just backing the point

But its a really hated building isn't it, because its dark and dull-
50/50 argument. Some love, some hate.

why is it so big?
Preston is a pretty big city.

Surely it can't have as many buses going in and out as a city would- why does it need to be so big!?
1. Preston is just as much a city as Leeds is
2. The bus station is very well used by both local and regional/national services being very full at peak times, moreso than Leeds.
3. Preston is at the halfway point of most London/Scotland journeys. All National Express/Megabus services stop here.

Even so not complaining just backing the point
Yep, Preston has a better bus station than Leeds :yes:

You're correct in thinking the bus station is too big for a city like Preston, but there are a lot of buses here, and Preston isnt the sleepy town that you seem to think it is. Its not like its massively oversized and its certainly not underused.

I've been there; the building is ok; inside is terrible. But how does it have more buses than Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds- yes its a city, but only just- tbf is cant compare to the size of the established cities. Leeds City isn't fully used because alot of buses use the transport box, the interchange, boar lane bus point, infirmary street bus point etc. More efficent. I only said it was ugly because on that C4 programme it was in the worst buildings or somin wasnt it

I went to Preston this year. It's just like Wakefield.

Interesting article currenlty running on the BBC, from a Brum perspective 88% of residents could only identify the city by Hyatt Regency Hotel ! So much for what we all think hey ?

What about the Selfridge's building, or that round building they're turning into flats?

They probably went around all the chavvy areas like Sheldon, South Yardley and Smethwick. That might explain it. Also, the Hyatt building is one of the very few which actually has the name in big letters on top of it for all to see and when its night time, they make the letters glow.

Today on BBC online Unsung Landmarks (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/5255294.stm)

The reason why the Rotunda was an unsung land mark is because it was so unsuccesful economically. Most buildings in the 1960s were square and were considered attractive then. Offices were amde in these buildings but when the rotunda was built, it was considered risky and many floors were left empty at times because no one wanted to move in. Now it is being redone into one of the quickest selling apartment building in the city, possibly the country.

The reason why the Rotunda was an unsung land mark is because it was so unsuccesful economically. Most buildings in the 1960s were square and were considered attractive then. Offices were amde in these buildings but when the rotunda was built, it was considered risky and many floors were left empty at times because no one wanted to move in. Now it is being redone into one of the quickest selling apartment building in the city, possibly the country.

I didn't post the link to diss the Rotunda - It's one of my favourite buildings in Brum. - I just thought it was an interesting article, and on topic with this thread. :cheers:

Today on BBC online Unsung Landmarks (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/5255294.stm)

The Runcorn thingy is nice in the sun too, I saw it coming home from Chester today, but at night it is beautiful.

BTW this is what the Rotunda looks like now:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Construction%203/PICT001123072006.jpg

So iconic, I don't have to name the city! :)
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/8647/icon002aw2.jpg

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/5592/icon001lo6.jpg

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/5214/icon003ig9.jpg

^^Is it Fazackerley?

Lol. I reconized the Liver building, but if the river hadn't been in the first pic, i wouldn't have a bleedin' clue.

Outside of London - Edinburgh Castle. Stonehenge was a good call too. Apart from them not a lot. Preston Bus Station is pretty cool. What is the U.K's largest bus station anyway?

Preston Bus Station is due for demo I heard somewhere...

Leodensians have given up on Brodrick's masterpiece, Leeds Town Hall, ever becoming a city icon a la the Tyne bridge, the Liver buildings, etc, but it continues to loom large. (if it had been built in portland stone, would things be different?)

http://static.flickr.com/30/65475091_828c0c77fe_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/33/43280876_57d3575e0d.jpg

That looks like a beautiful building. Is it in disrepair?

I dont think so, just in need of a bit of a clean i think

http://www.bmb.leeds.ac.uk/luubs/attractions/buildings/resized_100_0818.jpg

Lol. I reconized the Liver building, but if the river hadn't been in the first pic, i wouldn't have a bleedin' clue.

The First time I saw the Anglican Cathedrial was the first time I went to Liverpool, in er.. 1989?, I didn't know it, also I'd say the same for Leeds Town Hall, or maybe that was me just being a thick 16 (?) ignorant ejiot.

When I took my (then) Widnes ladyfriend to Birmingham, she did wonder why they had a copy of that building "they put dead popes into", so that's hardly a landmark building known throughout the land.

Just to turn this around how many pieces of Iconic architecture are there in Germany, France or Italy?

if it's no more than 3 or 4, then why should they're be more for the UK?

eg. France, Arch d'thingy and the Effel Tower, and I'm having trouble thinking of more?

You could add that big box thing in la defense, Notre Dame and that big bridge/viaduct thing. :)

Oh, yeah, Notre Dame, of course. Big box thingy? er....

(oh, found it http://europeforvisitors.com/paris/photos/images/paris2_la_defense_la%20grande_arche_223013.jpg

but anyway, not too many from the non-capital cities I suppose..

Preston Bus Station is due for demo I heard somewhere...

Yeah, stupid people stealing my bus station for a John Bloody Lewis :( It is definately going now, see the Preston thread on P&C for details. I'm actually really annoyed it wasn't given more of a chance, it is one of the most interesting peices of architecture in the country IMO. It has it problems but it also has a uniqueness which is very difficult to capture in a new building these days.

More cool photos on flickr

http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=preston+bus+station

Is Arena Central iconic architecturally? I don't think so but I can see what people mean when they say it is.

What about the Forth Rail Bridge. Ok, Joe Public from Belarus may not recognise it but it is one of the best bridges in the world and is pretty unique (apart from one in Oz I think).

These could perhaps be considered Iconic structures within the UK.
http://www.ukswebsite.co.uk/photos/newcastleangel%20of%20the%20north.jpg

And
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c185/bartez111/gtf.jpg

Manchester Central Library

http://static.flickr.com/76/199123497_2b67b1a78d_b.jpg



Iconic or not, that is a beautiful building. Easily my favourite in Manchester, one of my all time favourites.

Is this iconic to anyone?

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h317/DeLaSalleCricketClub/sheffieldwintergardens.jpg

Iconic or not, that is a beautiful building. Easily my favourite in Manchester, one of my all time favourites.

I've only just noticed, there's a hippy growing in the shrubs. :lol:

Soon to make it's mark across the UK and eventually Europe. ;)

"Massive." "They've got the biggest wind turbine in the world.":blahblah:

http://www.ecotricity.co.uk/assets/Planning/MCFC1.jpg

It's only a matter of time.

Picture taken by Longlens. (disposable camera apparently)

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f85/garybaldy/CRW_0139.jpg

I dont think the Manchester stadium is really iconic, but the Library is an iconic looking building (if not widely known - i didnt know of it untill i went to visit). The building above (to do with Law isnt it?) will become iconic i think - wasnt it mentioned on Richard and Judy the other day?

I dont think the Manchester stadium is really iconic, but the Library is an iconic looking building (if not widely known - i didnt know of it untill i went to visit). The building above (to do with Law isnt it?) will become iconic i think - wasnt it mentioned on Richard and Judy the other day?

I meant 120m wind turbine next to the stadium Cardiff. :doh:

Well I had no idea what stadium that was either. I think we just assumed it was a Manchester one as someone from Manchester posted it!

So I think we can mark up the Cardiff Stadium as not iconic. Also I don't see why a larger than normal wind turbine would become iconic either, it's the bleeding same as all ther others, only err. bigger.

But then you could say the same thing about electrocity pillons and the effiel tower!

-Bristol-

Clifton Suspension Bridge

http://www.clifton-suspension-bridge.org.uk/images/top-home.jpg

http://morninglight.us/photos/standard/uk/Clifton-Suspension-Bridge.jpg

Temple Meads:

http://tinaundthomas.de/bristol2000.JPG

Wills Memorial

http://www.cabot-liberals.org/Cabot/images/Wills_tower.jpg

Cabot Tower

http://www.cs.bris.ac.uk/home/jw3961/photo/DSC00090.jpg

Well I had no idea what stadium that was either. I think we just assumed it was a Manchester one as someone from Manchester posted it!

So I think we can mark up the Cardiff Stadium as not iconic. Also I don't see why a larger than normal wind turbine would become iconic either, it's the bleeding same as all ther others, only err. bigger.

But then you could say the same thing about electrocity pillons and the effiel tower!

Stephen, you know what I'm hinting at. Once it's built, it will be shown every time there's a match at COMS.

Something like this....

Liverpool

http://www.soccer.com/Images/Catalog/ProductImages/300/1041.JPG

Newcastle

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/06/images/050620_sportsfans.jpg

Stretford.

http://www.copyright-free-pictures.org.uk/strange-unusual-pictures/pearly-kings-and-queens.jpg

Forth Bridges
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9d/Wfm_db_forth_bridges.jpg/800px-Wfm_db_forth_bridges.jpg

Two peas in a pod. :)

Soon to be 3 eh? :)

Which of course raises the question - when it eventually happens, what will they call the fourth Forth crossing? :lol:

Range Rover Bridge. The best 4x4 by far. :lol:

It's only a matter of time.

Picture taken by Longlens. (disposable camera apparently)

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f85/garybaldy/CRW_0139.jpg

Good photo but a shite building.

Stephen, you know what I'm hinting at. Once it's built, it will be shown every time there's a match at COMS.


Forgot to mention i tink that the new Wembley Arch will become another world known London landmark.

Good photo but a shite building.

Agreed.

Good photo but a shite building.

Don't be silly Telford, it's a fantastic building.

If CJC was in any other city I'd definitely want it in Manchester.

Leave brummies to munch on their 60's blocks. Most of em couldn't appreciate good architecture if it slapped them in the face. Why? Because they haven't any... :)

It's only a matter of time.

Picture taken by Longlens. (disposable camera apparently)

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f85/garybaldy/CRW_0139.jpg

cracking picture. cracking building i expect.

no need to be picky manc chap. we hhave:
http://www.travelodge.co.uk/images/location_photos/birmingham_s0551_l.jpg

Agreed.

Hitler said England was shit. Mussolini agreed with him. We all know what happened to Mussolini and Italy don't we.

^^Hitler thought England rocked. Think on...

^^Hitler thought England rocked. Think on...

Correct, indeed he did Awayo. He wanted it all for himself. :nuts:

Range Rover Bridge. The best 4x4 by far. :lol:

:lol:

Leave brummies to munch on their 60's blocks. Most of em couldn't appreciate good architecture if it slapped them in the face. Why? Because they haven't any... :)

W-H-A-T-E-V-E-R

I presume we will be seeing the demolition of CIS & City Tower (or whatever it is called) soon then? :)

It's only a matter of time.

Picture taken by Longlens. (disposable camera apparently)

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f85/garybaldy/CRW_0139.jpg


Pretty cool.


What and where is that?

Its the amazing Civil Justice Courts in Manchester Ongoingbandit.Daytime view

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/golddigga19/IMGP1093.jpg

It's the Civic Justice Centre in Manchester on a very foggy night looking like a spaceship.

Shit building. :wink2:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/golddigga19/IMGP1093.jpg[/QUOTE]

TBH it all depends upon how you interpret the word iconic. I think that for a building/structure to be iconic it has to represent its place and has to be unique and important.

The following is unique and important as it is the only one of its kind, but I don't think that it is iconic because it simply does not say where it is from.

http://www.penninewaterways.co.uk/bridgewater/ba04.jpg

http://www.penninewaterways.co.uk/bridgewater/ba02.jpg

http://www.penninewaterways.co.uk/bridgewater/ba09.jpg

http://www.penninewaterways.co.uk/bridgewater/ba07.jpg

http://www.penninewaterways.co.uk/manchester/msc009.jpg

http://easyweb.easynet.co.uk/jim.shead/P08919.jpg

http://www.brocross.com/iwps/images/newslett/oct05/barton-swing-aqueduct.jpg

http://www.phillrawlins.co.uk/images/baqopen.jpg

To be honest it is one of the wonders of the industrial age, yet no cnut knows what it is. It's a shame, because it's ugly yes, but an engineering marvel.

TBH it all depends upon how you interpret the word iconic. I think that for a building/structure to be iconic it has to represent its place and has to be unique and important.

You mean like The Iron Bridge in err Ironbridge (now in Telford).
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t129/gradymclean/05_ironbridge_overview.jpg

The problem being that yes, it's unique and important, but is it iconic? If you went round with a photo of it in the street asking people what or where it was, how many could give you the correct answer. The Golden Gate, Tower Bridge, The Forth Rail Bridge most people would recognize, but you could argue about them not really being iconic because are any of those unique and important? Possibly only the Forth Rail Bridge meets all three criteria.

I think iconic would mean a building that told you where it was, and its name comes instantly to mind and is promoted by the city as an attraction due to its beauty / size etc - so that law building in Manchester wont be iconic i think now ( i changed my mind) because of its use, not exactly somwhere the city will promote you to go lol. I think all those buildings you mentioned are iconic because you recognise them instantly, know their names and location so i dont think there is much argument.

I would say Ironbridge is definitely iconic. It is probably possible to say that it is at a par with the Forth Rail Bridge.

I would say Ironbridge is definitely iconic. It is probably possible to say that it is at a par with the Forth Rail Bridge.

It could be argued that being historically important does not necessarily make something iconic. Surely it has to be recognisable by the masses for what it is and what it represents.

That's a good point Weastey. If I were to say Oriel Chambers or 16 Cook Street were 'iconic' 99% of people wouldn't have a clue. However both are historically important in terms of architectural design & engineering. Possibly the most important buildings in Liverpool, in that respect.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/174/368081051_8aea76a31c.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/147/400975573_3330c92e66_b.jpg

http://l.yimg.com/www.flickr.com/images/spaceball.gif

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/182/400975708_7ca1c03ddb.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/137/400975672_34ad3fb0b2.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/135/400561883_ceac174088.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/166/400169037_85fabc18e4.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/154/336727674_3f5ca24a06.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/178/394244689_df13cb11d9.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/158/393853066_ff6debd5e3.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/125/396891253_c16f434142.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/146/396885033_f1bb668812.jpg?v=0

http://l.yimg.com/www.flickr.com/images/spaceball.gif

^^

http://kinggeejackofalltrades.truelocal.com.au/images/x/200/media/uploads/Weather_Shield.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/151/392165933_93d0c58afc.jpg?v=1171646447

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/186/391319905_adc73dcf50.jpg?v=0

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http://farm1.static.flickr.com/97/243126027_b486808305.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/188/384703331_71110c37a8.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/123/384533382_69c4fe0d7d.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/176/383897486_6103d3980a.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/26/65622531_6c72104a83.jpg?v=0

That pic of the Council House in the snow looks like Vienna or something.

I'd say the only building in brum that are "iconic"* are Selfridges (potentially world wide if they could get it in some films or something), the Rotunda (a round 60's block!), and the BT Tower, with the latter 2 being strickly UK only.

*"Iconic building" not equal with "good building"

But this could be me being overy fussy on the definition of iconic, I don't think, for example, Leciester has an Iconic builidng, nothing springs to mind if someone mentions the place, I'm sure it's got some nice buildings though.

I'd say the only building in brum that are "iconic"* are Selfridges, the Rotunda and the BT Tower, with the latter 2 being strickly UK only.


I'd agree with those and so would Emporis. They also have the Joseph Chamberlain Clock Tower too on the 'Famous buildings of Birmingham' page.

http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/ci/bu/mf/?id=100638

Liverpool has the 2 cathedrals, Royal Liver building and Port of Liverpool building listed.
Manchester has the CIS.
Sheffield has the Park Hill flats (not sure why).
London has too many to name. 50 in total.

I'd agree with those and so would Emporis. They also have the Joseph Chamberlain Clock Tower too on the 'Famous buildings of Birmingham' page.

http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/ci/bu/mf/?id=100638

Liverpool has the 2 cathedrals, Royal Liver building and Port of Liverpool building listed.
Manchester has the CIS.
Sheffield has the Park Hill flats (not sure why).
London has too many to name. 50 in total.

If the Rotunnda and the BT tower :lol: are iconic, I'd hate to think what Manchester Town Hall, Beetham tower, the Lowry, the IWMN and OT,(yes, even OT) are, and what CJC will be.

I would add others, but your not worth anymore of my time Van.

" Excuse me Sir, do you know where the BT tower is" "Yes I do, London"

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/82/275443177_64c346bd04.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/97/243126027_b486808305.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/188/384703331_71110c37a8.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/123/384533382_69c4fe0d7d.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/176/383897486_6103d3980a.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/26/65622531_6c72104a83.jpg?v=0


Some great pics of Birmingham there ,,, if i was'nt a Manc i'd live there meself :)

ignore ,,

.. sorry im not with it tonight :laugh:

that pic of the Chamberlain clock tower if fantastic

I'd agree with those and so would Emporis. They also have the Joseph Chamberlain Clock Tower too on the 'Famous buildings of Birmingham' page.

http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/ci/bu/mf/?id=100638

Liverpool has the 2 cathedrals, Royal Liver building and Port of Liverpool building listed.
Manchester has the CIS.
Sheffield has the Park Hill flats (not sure why).
London has too many to name. 50 in total.

Sheffield has Park Hill flats because they are iconic to many people. They loom over the city centre like giant concrete cliffs and they represent a 50's/60's utopian view of society and the future.

The thing about iconic is that there is probably several levels if you like. There is locally iconic, buildings that mean a lot to the local population, the buildings they think of when they think of their town/city. Then there's nationally iconic, buildings that people around the country would associate cities with and then there's internationally iconic which I would argue that probably only London has in this country.

Tony Bear: Some fantastic pictures of Birmingham there. I love the one of St Philips Cathedral in the fog! Stuff it! I love 'em all!

If the Rotunnda and the BT tower :lol: are iconic, I'd hate to think what Manchester Town Hall, Beetham tower, the Lowry, the IWMN and OT,(yes, even OT) are, and what CJC will be.

I would add others, but your not worth anymore of my time Van.

" Excuse me Sir, do you know where the BT tower is" "Yes I do, London"

You bet they are. Show a (admittedly it has to be above-intellect and well-travelled as unfortunately your average man is thick and ignorant) man a photo of Rotunda & Birmingham's BT Tower and the chances are they'll say Brum. 2 cities have BT towers - London & Brum, and a lot of people know that :yes:

IMO (which may be more relevant as I am non-Mcr), Manchester Town Hall is NOT iconic because, until I came on these pages, I couldn't have identified it (and that goes for pretty much every town hall). I think Beetham Tower is becoming an icon because it features in a lot of Mcr publicity. I can't thinnk what the Lowry looks like, and the IWMN, whilst is very nice, doesn't scream "Mcr". OT is a funny one. It IS an icon because of the association with Mcr, but I guess it is iconic only in football terms - take all the MU insignia away and would the average man be able to identify it? I'm not sure.

I'd say the only building in brum that are "iconic"* are Selfridges (potentially world wide if they could get it in some films or something), the Rotunda (a round 60's block!), and the BT Tower, with the latter 2 being strickly UK only.

*"Iconic building" not equal with "good building"

But this could be me being overy fussy on the definition of iconic, I don't think, for example, Leciester has an Iconic builidng, nothing springs to mind if someone mentions the place, I'm sure it's got some nice buildings though.

You can have a building that is an "Icon" in your particular city, it doesn't mean to say it is "Iconic" on a world stage though.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/151/392165933_93d0c58afc.jpg?v=1171646447

Love these Birmingham shots!

Those photos of Birmingham are great. Especially the penultimate one (last one of previous post) which looked threw up images of some kind of Dickensian Prague architectural love child. That said, I didn't recognise them as Birmingham, so are they that iconic...or is it just me?

Cumbernauld Town Centre
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q95/The_Talking_orange/TonCentre.jpg
Would This be classified as Iconic?:lol:

:O

Those photos of Birmingham are great. Especially the penultimate one (last one of previous post) which looked threw up images of some kind of Dickensian Prague architectural love child. That said, I didn't recognise them as Birmingham, so are they that iconic...or is it just me?

They are just some of the best bits of Birmingham. I wouldn't class them as iconic but they certainly are beautiful :yes:.

I'd agree with those and so would Emporis. They also have the Joseph Chamberlain Clock Tower too on the 'Famous buildings of Birmingham' page.

http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/ci/bu/mf/?id=100638

Liverpool has the 2 cathedrals, Royal Liver building and Port of Liverpool building listed.
Manchester has the CIS.
Sheffield has the Park Hill flats (not sure why).
London has too many to name. 50 in total.

I'd take out the Port Of liverpool Building, but put in St. John Beacon.

Re Famious buildings in Emporis, Most cities don't have this catagory. I think to be honest, that's not unresonable. Leeds Town Hall is nice, but I'd hardly call it famious. Glasgow is probably the best city in the UK but I wouldn't say it had many building you could show the average well read, say New Zealander and they would say, oh Glasgow!

there arnt many iconic building in the UK because we havent been promoting them in the same way other cities have. Anyway as for my city (Cardiff) i think buildings like the Senydd and Millenium center have the potential to be true Icons of Cardiff because they are associated with things that are inherantly Welsh and associated with the capital, Cardiff. City halls will never be iconic because every city has them - what famous city halls in the world are there? there are pretty ones, and ones that we know - but the average person wouldnt know.

Glasgow is probably the best city in the UK but I wouldn't say it had many building you could show the average well read, say New Zealander and they would say, oh Glasgow!

Correction! Glasgow Tennament block! the old 4/5 story things with 2 flats on each level those thing, Iconic.

You bet they are. Show a (admittedly it has to be above-intellect and well-travelled as unfortunately your average man is thick and ignorant) man a photo of Rotunda & Birmingham's BT Tower and the chances are they'll say Brum. 2 cities have BT towers - London & Brum, and a lot of people know that :yes:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0f/Heaton_Park_BT_Tower,_distance_view.jpg/180px-Heaton_Park_BT_Tower,_distance_view.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heaton_Park_BT_Tower

Heaton Park, north Manc. In the 90s, it had the title of biggest urban park in Europe, no idea if it's still the case.

:)

I knew there would be one.... ;)

There's another one of those somewhere near the Chilterns, but they are not so well known.

I knew there would be one.... ;)

There's another one of those somewhere near the Chilterns, but they are not so well known.

Yes they are.

The one near Cannock as seen from the M6
Heaton Park as seen from the M60
Macclesfield has one.

There are loads, all dead distinctive, arf!

Only BT Tower in London is iconic the rest are concrete poles with dishes on tops as seen every few hundred square miles all over the world!

So is the London one - the only bit that is 'real' is the bit on top AFAIK - the rest is cladded to look like windows.

Ours is more than a concrete pole - it is painted and has a bona fide lighting scheme and everything, and most Brummies love her.

So there.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0f/Heaton_Park_BT_Tower,_distance_view.jpg/180px-Heaton_Park_BT_Tower,_distance_view.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heaton_Park_BT_Tower

Heaton Park, north Manc. In the 90s, it had the title of biggest urban park in Europe, no idea if it's still the case.

:)

I think they used the title biggest municipal park, i.e. owned by the city of Manchester as opposed to much bigger parks elswhere that are the property of central or regional governments such as the Casa de Campo in Madrid which is huge, or the Bois de Boulougne in Paris or the Royal Parks in London.

It's typical local boosterism.

Birmingham's one is the only one that can withstand a 1 megaton blast :yes:

Birmingham's one is the only one that can withstand a 1 megaton blast :yes:

Lets hope its not proven though hey.

what an accolade to have lol

I'd agree with those and so would Emporis. They also have the Joseph Chamberlain Clock Tower too on the 'Famous buildings of Birmingham' page.

http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/ci/bu/mf/?id=100638

Liverpool has the 2 cathedrals, Royal Liver building and Port of Liverpool building listed.
Manchester has the CIS.
Sheffield has the Park Hill flats (not sure why).
London has too many to name. 50 in total.

I think the Park Hill flats gain iconic status due to the failure of achieving the ideals they set out to achieve - 'streets in the sky', mass local authority housing etc

"Conversely, there is more than a handful of buildings that have achieved iconic status for all the wrong reasons: buildings which are so widely loathed that they have come to symbolise what the public at large dislike about Modernist architecture: for years, Trellick Tower held this dubious honour. Not far behind was the Park Hill estate in Sheffield.

Completed in 1961, Park Hill was intended to provide local authority housing for thousands of people. A largely working-class industrial city, whose best days were behind it, the city fathers of Sheffield hoped that Park Hill would signal the rejuvenation of the town and provide quality homes in a deprived area."

From - http://www.open2.net/modernity/3_12.htm

You bet they are. Show a (admittedly it has to be above-intellect and well-travelled as unfortunately your average man is thick and ignorant) man a photo of Rotunda & Birmingham's BT Tower and the chances are they'll say Brum. 2 cities have BT towers - London & Brum, and a lot of people know that :yes:

IMO (which may be more relevant as I am non-Mcr), Manchester Town Hall is NOT iconic because, until I came on these pages, I couldn't have identified it (and that goes for pretty much every town hall). I think Beetham Tower is becoming an icon because it features in a lot of Mcr publicity. I can't thinnk what the Lowry looks like, and the IWMN, whilst is very nice, doesn't scream "Mcr". OT is a funny one. It IS an icon because of the association with Mcr, but I guess it is iconic only in football terms - take all the MU insignia away and would the average man be able to identify it? I'm not sure.


I don't think that iconic should be confused with recognisable or well-known, although that is one of the criteria. Many people could also not identify the Birmingham BT tower with Birmingham if shown a picture of it.

Let's face it, Birmingham and Manchester simply do not have a single iconic building or structure between them. Liverpool probably does have 1.

Selfridges is ours by far, and arguably the Rotunda. BT I will let go because I don't think it is a pretty building by any stretch of the imagination.

I think The Cube will become our next icon :yes:

I agree with you there Bio. The trouble with the term 'iconic' is that it's always relative. So there's a big difference between national icons and local icons. I suppose for the purposes of definition an iconic building should be a building which is distinctly recognisable as 'your city' and wouldn't be found anywhere else.

Indeed - there are a handful of international icons in the UK, plenty of national ones, and even more local ones :yes:

Im sure the majority of people in our region couldnt identify Leeds Town Hall.

There is one building only that I think could be identified: York Minister. A few may recognise The Deep.

Somebody mentioned Glasgow's tenements as being iconic - they're certainly not internationally famous but certainly are identifiably 'Glasgow' and therefore are iconic of the city.
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u50/legslikeaspider/glasgowtenements.jpg

Thinking of Scotland, Eilean Donan castle is so symbolic of the country that it ought to be trademarked in some way.

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u50/legslikeaspider/eilean_donan_castle.jpg

Finally, it has its critics, but I expect that in time the new Scottish parliament building will become iconic - shots of the MSPs office windows (first image) are pretty much obligatory in any Scotland-related PR bumpff.

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u50/legslikeaspider/scotparl_msp_southwest_kh_rmjm.jpg
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u50/legslikeaspider/scottish_parliament_kh2.jpg
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u50/legslikeaspider/parlyinterior.jpg

i dont think the scottish parliment is that iconic because it is quite a sprawling looking building with no main focal point,

ive never heared of glasgows tenament blocks

that castle is an icon, but is it outside the UK?

Yeuch, I really dislike the Sottish Parliament building. The Scots may have got more power but the Welsh definately got the better building.

that castle is an icon, but is it outside the UK?


erm...no, its in Scotland which, for the time being at least, is still part of the UK.

I think he meant is it an icon outside of the UK, not is it outside of the UK. :lol:

yes i did mean is the castle an icon outside the UK :) lol

Senydd in Cardiff - dont think it will become an international icon as its not very important, but another UK icon in time. To be fair on the scottish parliment, this is just the debating chamber, the rest of the assmebly work in a bland office block

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/susananstiss/206792424_a53121c890_o.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/susananstiss/209410682_1aa72f64f7_b.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/susananstiss/208000323_7532c0cd50_b.jpg

If you want to see more check out random Cardiff and area thread

yes i did mean is the castle an icon outside the UK :) lol

Senydd in Cardiff - dont think it will become an international icon as its not very important, but another UK icon in time. To be fair on the scottish parliment, this is just the debating chamber, the rest of the assmebly work in a bland office block

Get a grip will you - neither of the Celt places are iconic in any sense. Nice maybe, but that it a quite different question. The Palace of Westminster (no, not just the clock tower) is iconic, and you should know why.

yes i did mean is the castle an icon outside the UK :) lol

Senydd in Cardiff - dont think it will become an international icon as its not very important, but another UK icon in time. To be fair on the scottish parliment, this is just the debating chamber, the rest of the assmebly work in a bland office block




Suddenly everything is clear. Sorry for patronising you. I would think that Eilean Donan castle is sufficiently distinctive as to be unmistakeably representative of Scotland to those who live abroad even if they don't know its name.

The Senydd debating chamber is certainly a great bit of architecture. Time will tell if the two national assembly buildings come to symbolise our respective countries.

Well the Senydd is becoming iconic in Wales, as any protest (ie herceptin) occurrs outside it. Always in the news here, but like i said i dont think it will become internationally famous because of Wales' poor political power.

She's got more political power than England, but thats probably a topic for another thread...

I'm not a fan of the Senydd. I actually think it's quite ugly (simple word, but significant and underused in descriptions of buildings) It also isn't tall enough or grand enough. It should have been designed in the grand traditional of parliamentary buildings. Iconic in Wales of course.

The view in the pic overlooking cardiff bay is nice though.

I didnt like it a first ( i though it was ugly), but it has really grown on me as its quite unique (at least in this country) and i think it is beautifull now. I love the roof and wood and the way it looks like its supported by glass, though there is too much slate around the entrance. I agree it should have been bigger as the Wales millenium center dominates too much. I dont agree that it should be a classically designed building as it wouldnt be as nice as the civic center and look out of place in what is a predominantly modern area.

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

Wow, now that's a building that literally says f**k off to any doubters, nice one JRB! :cheers:

^^ And thats not even its best side:)

Wow, now that's a building that literally says f**k off to any doubters, nice one JRB! :cheers:

Hmmm. You think?

I prefer the mini Bridgewater next to it to be honest.

In fact, I find that it's worst side! Nice picture, bad angle!

That building should only be on this thread if iconic means monstrous.

That building should only be on this thread if iconic means monstrous.

I agree Telfordboy.

Monstrously different and nothing else like it in the UK. I'm sure you would have preferred one of these court houses instead.

http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/courtfinder/images/courts/altrincham_cc.jpg

No wonder architecture in the UK never moves on. Build something different and the British mentality sets in.

Perrot's Folly famous amongst Tolkien enthusiasts worldwide.

http://www.pentrace.net/sw_images/towers.jpg

Soho House, possibly the first centrally heated English house since Roman times, also where Boulton’s developed the steam engine in partnership with James Watt. If this building is not iconic then it should be.

http://mattson.creighton.edu/History_Gas_Chemistry/PriestleyJPGs/SohoPicA.jpg

Kings Norton Old Grammar School, won some BBC national award for restoration. A 15th-century timber-framed house.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/5/7460019_ce72c09408.jpg?v=0

Saracen's Head also won some BBC national award for restoration, was quite possibly the largest house of the royal manor during the 15th century.

http://www.lynnejones.org.uk/Saracens-Head.jpg

Not Architecture (possibly), but on a JRR trip, there will be a Mosely Ent!
http://www.davidisgrove.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/TolkienStatue/4c.jpg

Could this become the Angel of the North, in the Midlands?

I wouldn't have though so myself, too small, but if they push it enough to the Lord of the Rings fans. who knows?

Have we mentioned the Angel of the North as a UK Icon?

Perrot's Folly famous amongst Tolkien enthusiasts worldwide.

http://www.pentrace.net/sw_images/towers.jpg


Note the tower in the distance. These two towers are said to be the inspiration for the two towers in Lord of the Rings :yes:.

That building should only be on this thread if iconic means monstrous.

Oh the laughter :|

I agree Telfordboy.

Monstrously different and nothing else like it in the UK. I'm sure you would have preferred one of these court houses instead.

http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/courtfinder/images/courts/altrincham_cc.jpg

No wonder architecture in the UK never moves on. Build something different and the British mentality sets in.

before you start accusing people of being reactionary you could've considered that maybe he just doesn't like the Manchester building? i think both the manc court and the one you pictured are hideous, for the record.

And that's where it all whittles down to the one fundamental fact:

It's all about people's personal opinions.

before you start accusing people of being reactionary you could've considered that maybe he just doesn't like the Manchester building? i think both the manc court and the one you pictured are hideous, for the record.

In that case why doesn't Telford tell us why he dislikes the building so much.
Obviously he must have a reason/s. In fact why don't you tell us aswell.

I'll tell you as well. I hate the mix of textures on the building. I also don't look the unregulated pattern of the glass boxes sticking out the ends (the coloured pattern in the windows certainly doesn't help). The grills at the top of the building would be okay if they were in some sort of identifiable shape. I also despise the scale of the thing. It is very imposing. The height is fine but the length is mental. Maybe that was the aim of the building but it really does not work in my opinion. It is unflattering to the eye and all in all, looks like a slab.

There. That's my opinion.

But unlike Selfridges, it blends in within it's immediate surrounding.

To see in the flesh and to stand underneath it, form either side of the building is something to behold.

And it will get more tv coverage once it opens, due to the nature of the building.

But unlike Selfridges, it blends in within it's immediate surrounding..

Well it does look like a rather unsensative add on to the 50s building below it on this picture
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/cv.jpg
But is that a good thing?

To see in the flesh and to stand underneath it, form either side of the building is something to behold.

I have, and after much humming and a harring, don't like it. trying too hard, and well, bit of a grey slab init?

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m30/chansau/Salford%20Quays/DSC01946.jpg

And it will get more tv coverage once it opens, due to the nature of the building.

Depend where they can stick the cameras, also being associtated with child murders and people who steal 1,000s of pensions from little old ladies etc etc.., not good for a building!

Looks great in context... :nuts:

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d101/Erebus555/DSC_0046-2.jpg

With the two bulges, and the rather phallic Rotunda above it, don't you think it looks you're looking up at.... errr never mind.

That's a great shot of Digbeth high street btw, which should give you some idea about Digbeth high street if you've never been.


http://i4.tinypic.com/47byc02.jpg

No it isn't a grey slab Stephen. Far from it. Viewed from different angles, it's an interesting piece of architecture with numerous features. Taken as a whole, it's a damn site more interesting than anything else that is being built or has been built in the UK in the last few years.

Below.

Also, isn't selfidges just an extension to the bullring? If so, would you regard the whole bullring as iconic?!

At least CJC is a stand alone piece of archiecture! :)

^^JRB, that's your opinion. Stephen and Erebus have given there's, so I think you need to accept them.

^^JRB, that's your opinion. Stephen and Erebus have given there's, so I think you need to accept them.

I accept they don't like it. I'd like to know why. To say CJC is just a grey slab is ridiculous.

So CJC is just a grey slab is it Stephen? It obviously has no architectural merit whatsoever either.

http://www.aidan.co.uk/popup_image.php?photo=ManCivJustCtrBw6Z14.jpg

http://aidanorourke.fileburst.com/lgx/ManCivJustCtrNt6Z14.jpg

Pictures By Aiden O'Rourke. http://www.aidan.co.uk/data_sheetManCivJustCtrNt6Z14.jpg.htm

Intresting buildings, Malmaison in Liverpool, possibly?

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/7618/20070303shotsfirst0044so4.jpg

Other than that Observation in Portmouth
http://moblog.co.uk/blogs/373/moblog_a40bdef5de640.jpg


But, I think you're right, I can't think of a more intresting building since SellFridges.

Of course Intresting dosn't mean good or bad.

I accept they don't like it. I'd like to know why. To say CJC is just a grey slab is ridiculous.

So CJC is just a grey slab is it Stephen? It obviously has no architectural merit whatsoever either.

http://www.aidan.co.uk/popup_image.php?photo=ManCivJustCtrBw6Z14.jpg

http://aidanorourke.fileburst.com/lgx/ManCivJustCtrNt6Z14.jpg


I've not seen it in the flesh at nite. maybe that's why I don't like it.

I really don't think this can be compared to Selfridges, Selfridges is unique the world over and an extremely debated building like it or loathe it, I agree that my greatest disappointment with Selfridges though is that it does not stand alone, from inside it works brilliantly as you enter from Bullring.

I do like the idea of CJC, it's like shifting shapes it does look very modern and an interesting addition to the Mancunian skyline.

Well it does look like a rather unsensative add on to the 50s building below it on this picture

I have, and after much humming and a harring, don't like it. trying too hard, and well, bit of a grey slab init?

Depend where they can stick the cameras, also being associtated with child murders and people who steal 1,000s of pensions from little old ladies etc etc.., not good for a building!

1. It's not an 'add-on' as it stands well away from that building.

2. For the millionth time, it is a Civil courts building. Not Criminal.

3. I accuse you of jealousy as I don't believe that you or erebus hate it and then go and jizz over some other buildings of much less quality.

^ such arrogance, "i accuse you of jealousy"! :ohno:

in my own opinion, the MCJC wouldn't be out of place in the "worst new buildings in britain" thread. i dislike pretty much everything about it - the shapes, the colours, the materials and so on. and unlike Birmingham Selfridges i don't think it is iconic.

^ such arrogance, "i accuse you of jealousy"! :ohno:

in my own opinion, the MCJC wouldn't be out of place in the "worst new buildings in britain" thread. i dislike pretty much everything about it - the shapes, the colours, the materials and so on. and unlike Birmingham Selfridges i don't think it is iconic.

That's your opinion Johnny, your entitled to it. I'm sure there are many more people who love it and would disagree with you.

CJC is already proving it isn't an ordinary building. Look at the debate it has already caused on this thread. As for Selfridges, Yes it is a fantastic building, but just like CJC it does look disappointing from some angles.(for some people)

As for being 'iconic'. That's a matter of opinion. Just like CJC.

I like CJC, but I can see how some people think that it is awful, just as I can see how people think Selfridges and The Cube are awful.

Fortunately, we are not yet completely a country driven by committee decisions, so we sometimes get things that are exciting and unusual, and not just something 'that keeps everyone happy', which usually means bland.

That's your opinion Johnny, your entitled to it. I'm sure there are many more people who love it and would disagree with you.

CJC is already proving it isn't an ordinary building. Look at the debate it has already caused on this thread. As for Selfridges, Yes it is a fantastic building, but just like CJC it does look disappointing from some angles.(for some people)

As for being 'iconic'. That's a matter of opinion. Just like CJC.

of course, i've got no probs if loads of people love CJC.

the reason i say that Selfridges is iconic is how often you see it used in the media or just referred to in general culture. It became an instant hit from the opening, whenever the telly is in Birmingham it is the first thing you see, kind of like the Angel of the North or Tyne Bridge for Newcastle. I've never seen the MCJC referred to outside of this site, and even then quite rarely outside the Manc subforum. And i say this while not totally loving the Selfridges building, as you say there's a number of vantage points from which it looks awkward.

In that case why doesn't Telford tell us why he dislikes the building so much.
Obviously he must have a reason/s.

Why because its not in the Midlands of course. Nah just kidding, I don't like that grey plastic mess in the middle, I don't like the fusiness of the colours in the glass, I don't like those two random chunks of glass that stick out on one side it makes it look unbalanced if it were symetrical I'd probably like it more. I don't like how long it looks, the scale seems to be all wrong.

It does look much better at night though and I will grant you that I am yet to see it in the flesh but until then I just don't like it.

That's a great shot of Digbeth high street btw, which should give you some idea about Digbeth high street if you've never been.

Thanks for the compliment :cheers: - shame about the weather, I got drenched :(.

3. I accuse you of jealousy as I don't believe that you or erebus hate it and then go and jizz over some other buildings of much less quality.

I am sure the quality is fine but architecturally, I find it fuck ugly. I hate the thing. It's a matter of personal opinion and if you can't accept then a weakness in your personality may have just been exposed.

CJC is already proving it isn't an ordinary building. Look at the debate it has already caused on this thread.

I'd say the debate on this forum over CJC is a result of people trying to force the building into our skulls alongside the word iconic.

1. It's not an 'add-on' as it stands well away from that building.

Yes I know, I've seen it. I've taken photos of it.

2. For the millionth time, it is a Civil courts building. Not Criminal.

Then why would it become an UK Icon because it comes on nationwide British TV when the type of court action will not be that important? That was what was stated above.

3. I accuse you of jealousy as I don't believe that you or erebus hate it and then go and jizz over some other buildings of much less quality.

Well you are wrong. and I find that quite insulting, in fact I'll see ya in court!!!, that one in fact.

I've never seen the MCJC referred to outside of this site

The buildings not even open yet, CJC isn't finished. I honestly think it will be on par with the bull ring when the media hear its is, I mean its outside a courthouse for goodness sake. I can understand why its disliked, but its just a few nitwits being picky really.

t became an instant hit from the opening, whenever the telly is in Birmingham it is the first thing you see

I've hardly ever seen it on telly really. Its good I've said so since it was completed, but parts of it were done wrong! Its surroundings are awful also. But then thats the norm in brum.

I've hardly ever seen it on telly really. Its good I've said so since it was completed, but parts of it were done wrong! Its surroundings are awful also.

You are trying to tell me that a 19th century railway station (restored to its former glory may I add), a 19th century church (also cleaned to its former glory) and one of the most eagerly anticipated retail developments of the decade which has received, on the whole, reviews of the highest order, are awful surroundings?

Its surroundings are awful also. But then thats the norm in brum.

:lol: yeah... like Colmore Row, New Street, Corporation Street, Jewellery Quarter, Brindley Place, Canals, Centenary Square, Victoria Square, Chamberlain Square (although we do have the library there), Edgbaston... all awful buildings in awful surroundings, unfortunately just because a building in Manchester is considered ugly by some people you have to try and divert the attention by criticizing other places, why is that I wonder? :lol:

I presume he's reffering to the rather bland Bull Ring that Selfridge's has been unsympathetically tacked onto.

It is on its way to becoming an icon of sorts. I'm not overly keen on it (it reminds me of one of those desk toys you put you face in and then look at the impression in the raised pins on the reverse) but it is clearly playing the role of visual shorthand for Birmingham.

I doubt the CJC will ever do the same in Manchester. It's hard not cuddly, it's not going to prominent or recognisable enough from many different angles and as has been mentioned it is unlikely to host any of the cases that get court complexes on the telly. If anything I'd say that Beetham is serving a similar role as a visual symbol. It pops up in the skyline over Shameless, it sat proud in the back over Goldplated everytime the mentioned towers, it loomed over the Labour party conference and will do the same for the next three years catering to various political colours, it was on Cracker and Vincent and that thing about Stars in Your Eyes man killing kids. It's everywhere.

Of course as other proposals start to rise it may become less noticeable, but for the moment I'd say that if Manchester has an icon (however minor) it is this.

I've only ever seen Beetham Manchester on here.

sorry I lied, I've seen it on Flickr as well.

Do you not watch the news? Or Channel 4? Or ITV? Because you couldn't turn on one of those in September/October without seeing the bloody thing.

I wasn't saying it is an icon, I was saying that it has more chance of becoming one than CJC, because people do and will actually see it.

People who watch more than CBeebies anyway.

http://www.churchill.com/images/home_noddog.jpg

Do you not watch the news? Or Channel 4? Or ITV? Because you couldn't turn on one of those in September/October without seeing the bloody thing.

I wasn't saying it is an icon, I was saying that it has more chance of becoming one than CJC, because people do and will actually see it.

People who watch more than CBeebies anyway.

I do watch T.V. yes, and no I genuinely have never seen this building on T.V., maybe I have and I just don't remember :dunno: :goodbye:

I do watch T.V. yes, and no I genuinely have never seen this building on T.V., maybe I have and I just don't remember :dunno: :goodbye:

Elizabeth. I watch TV and have never seen the Selfridges building on TV apart from on the Churchill advert. ^^

It is a fantastic building though, just like Beetham Manchester and CJC. :)

yeah... like Colmore Row, New Street, Corporation Street, Jewellery Quarter, Brindley Place, Canals, Centenary Square, Victoria Square, Chamberlain Square (although we do have the library there), Edgbaston... all awful buildings in awful surroundings, unfortunately just because a building in Manchester is considered ugly by some people you have to try and divert the attention by criticizing other places, why is that I wonder?

Works both ways.Brummies use Selfridge's to divert attention away from that shitbuck 60's city center love train they still live in. So ner...

selfridges brum may be iconic, exciting and beatiful, but the rest of the bullring is an orgy of blandness.

as for the CJC, i never get bored of looking at it, and i would happily take it up the aisle.

photo by JRB

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture22777.jpg

Yep, it sure is a monstrosity. :lol:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture19441.jpg

Elizabeth. I watch TV and have never seen the Selfridges building on TV apart from on the Churchill advert. ^^

It is a fantastic building though, just like Beetham Manchester and CJC. :)

They've thankfully got rid of the bird with the fake Brummie accent...

I've only ever seen Beetham Manchester on here.

I've seen Beetham Mcr on the TV. Barring Man U & Coronation St, every shot of Mcr seems to feature Beetham.

Apart from the one with the chav "shooting" David Cameron. What an ambassador :ohno:

selfridges brum may be iconic, exciting and beatiful, but the rest of the bullring is an orgy of blandness.


I don't think it is fair to compare CJC to the Bullring as a whole, as a) the Bullring is much larger and b) it is in the British psyche to be against unusual architecture, so there is no way we could get away with an entire shopping centre in a city centre that would be out of the norm.

Iconic Leeds:
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d172/SMARTCITY/am13.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid61/p37090cbf57650c2e42418f0bb1524b18/fc29eba7.jpg

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l165/markie_h/BWP2033.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/126/368458821_c2afae1601_b.jpg

http://www.gallerynorth.co.uk/forum/Image11.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d172/SMARTCITY/kirkstall_abby_a1.jpg

http://photobucket.com/albums/d172/SMARTCITY/kirkstall_abby_z3.jpg

http://www.leedsmet.ac.uk/lbs/location/images/skyndales/Skyline.jpg

More on the way!

When I think of Leeds, I can't actually think of a building. It takes about 20 seconds before Bridgewater thing pops up.

When I think of Leeds, I can't actually think of a building. It takes about 20 seconds before Bridgewater thing pops up.

Probably becasue you've never been to Leeds or out of Birmingham except the shit bits of Manchester to satisfy yourself about how great Birmingham is.

hey that isnt nice! Leeds doesnt have anythin that is unique to the city apart from the city halls' design and the corn exchange (which is the same shape as Manchester library roughly). Oh the arcades are nice, but i only know of them because i heared of them on here and sought them out. La Lumiere could become an icon though if its done well :)

Probably becasue you've never been to Leeds or out of Birmingham except the shit bits of Manchester to satisfy yourself about how great Birmingham is.

Leeds----------------Birmingham--------------Manchester
http://www.cartoonstock.com/lowres/ato0021l.jpg

Probably becasue you've never been to Leeds or out of Birmingham except the shit bits of Manchester to satisfy yourself about how great Birmingham is.

What an unpleasant comment, indicating a real chip on the shoulder.

I can't think of a particular building in Leeds that stands out as "in Leeds" either, yet I have been there a couple of times.

That may change with Lumiere, but at the moment Bridgewater is still only well-known on architecture related issues.

Of course, you could go away and sulk and pretend you have icons, or alternatively do something about it and throw your support behind potentially iconic developments in Leeds.

Birmingham & Manchester don't really care with an attitude like that!

When I think of Leeds, I can't actually think of a building. It takes about 20 seconds before Bridgewater thing pops up.

A blank canvas is surely better than a Bullring. :lol:

Anyway, iconic architecture probably has a lot to do with the circulation of images within the national media.

A blank canvas is surely better than a Bullring. :lol:

I dunno. The choice between a blank canvas and a world-renowned shopping centre, iconic department store, 30-40 million visitors per year, anchoring Birmingham as the no. 2 shopping destination, with high quality interior design and fabulous public artwork? I know which I prefer.

Anyway, iconic architecture probably has a lot to do with the circulation of images within the national media.

Indeed, and why are they in the media? Because they are iconic.

A blank canvas is surely better than a Bullring. :lol:

Anyway, iconic architecture probably has a lot to do with the circulation of images within the national media.

If you ARE from Coventry, de Livio, then you will know ALL about trashy shopping centres, eh? West Orchard Arcade, eh?? Concrete shopping precinct, eh, eh???

personally i would say coventry cathedral (old and new) are more iconic than anythin currently in Birmingham. And for a city with just as much 60's developments around its a bit like the pot calling the kettle black. The bullring is a great shopping place though and an excellent addition to any city, although before visiting these forums i thought it was just the circular tower

Well, if you showed most people the old cathedral, they probably wouldn't have a clue, but I agree about the new one.

I don't know why FLD had a pop at Coventry, especially considering the conversation was about Leeds & iconic buidlings (which it lacks)!

Probably becasue you've never been to Leeds or out of Birmingham except the shit bits of Manchester to satisfy yourself about how great Birmingham is.

'Probably' being the operative word... :sleepy:

Leeds is a great city whether or not it has one really iconic building or not doesn't matter when its ace as it is. As for the Bullring, sure those white and green bits aren't spectacular but its nice enough. Its unquestionably a vast improvement on what was there before and the interior is really quite special, mainly cos of the roof.

The escalators make a really high pitched sound. As far as I know, I'm the only one who can hear it. The north wing is the worst for the sound. I have never spent more than 2 minutes in there.

:lol: Thats just weird.

I do have sensitive ears. I remember in a science lesson back at school, the teacher had a speaker that played high pitched noises and he took it all the way up to ultrasound. We had to keep our hand up if we could still hear the noise. I was the only one with their hand up at ultrasound... :lol: I'm an odd fish.

This may sound a little strange but all those coloured squares on the cjc in Manchester remind me of....Felixstowe. Specifically the huge stacks of containers that they have there. I quite like the glass block approach to the building with the bits sticking out, but I really don't like the grey bit in the middle. It really dominates it and I think it would look a lot better without it (that is of course if it had been structurally possible, otherwise there would be a lot of broken glass).

The escalators make a really high pitched sound. As far as I know, I'm the only one who can hear it. The north wing is the worst for the sound. I have never spent more than 2 minutes in there.

I get that in the Birmingham Rep Theatre :yes:

This may sound a little strange but all those coloured squares on the cjc in Manchester remind me of....Felixstowe. Specifically the huge stacks of containers that they have there. I quite like the glass block approach to the building with the bits sticking out, but I really don't like the grey bit in the middle. It really dominates it and I think it would look a lot better without it (that is of course if it had been structurally possible, otherwise there would be a lot of broken glass).

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a366/robinsonworld/Manchester/P1000278.jpg

Indeed, and why are they in the media? Because they are iconic.

You are actually wrong. They are iconic due to the fact that the media publicises them.
However the media publicises them because they ether stand out as an unusual building or is the “First” of its kind. But just because it is an unusual building or a building that is “the first” of its kind does not automatically make it iconic or famous.

I think iconic means one of a kind, asociated with a place. If you cant think of something in a city then its not iconic. But then you always have people who just dont get out! I think i read in one forum where someone was saying big ben (aka the houses of parliament) arnt iconic - how can you argue with someone who thinks that? its stupid!

So.. i think there is local icons, national icons and international icons - and the last two probably go hand in hand with a cities importance or the buildings importance in the nation and internationaly.

Outside of London the only iconic buildings in the UK (and I'm using iconic in the sense that you show a picture to the man on the street and said man recognises building and where it is) are

Liver Building - Liverpool
Tyne Bridge - Newcastle
Castle - Edinburgh
Forth Road Bridge - Edinburgh
Stonehenge - Salisbury

You may show a picture of a castle in Wales which will be recognised as a castle in Wales but not many will be able to tell you which castle, the same for football stadiums, cathedrals, city halls, museums, Victorian shopping emporiums, universities, etc etc. Thats not to say that those buildings are not fantastic but not iconic.

This is my own subjective opinion by the way and I do not claim to be right...

Forth Rail Bridge?

Forth Rail Bridge?

Oops...yes the one that you paint for 5 years and no sooner do you put the lid back on the paint tin than you have to start over again...thats one.

Blackpool Tower?

Bugger. Ok Blackpool Tower as well. I haven't thought this through....

However I do think that despite the assorted grand buildings of Manchester, Leeds, Brum, Bristol, Hull, Nottingham, Sheffield, Cardiff, Norwich, Soton, Bradford and even Glasgow there are not that many iconic buildings. Anoraks such as us may be able to name a dozen from each city but I doubt Joe Public could immediately place any as being from a specific city. I think iconic status is very difficult to come by. The buildings that are iconic act as a motif for their location.

Well I've been thinking about this for some time now - not that I'm sad or anything - and I do believe that City Lofts...

http://links.pictures.aol.com/pic/b480ZMj2RxIaDcuBbEHK8x1YXGcNuwquQZrBv4xQp5Fd3Ig=_l.jpg

...will become Sheffield's iconic building. Not because it's necessarily an inherently "iconic" design - clearly it's not - but for the simple reason that it's big and, whenever there's a news report about Sheffield in the national news, the TV crew tend to set up a camera on Pinstone Street looking across the Peace Gardens. As City Lofts is being built at the back of the Peace Gardens, it means it'll loom large in just about every national news report about Sheffield and should therefore quickly start to become associated with the city in the general public's minds.

I guess from Cardiff's point of view the Millenium Stadium would be the closest we get to a really iconic building. If think most football fans in the UK would recognise it although now the FA cup is back at Wembley there will be less and less exposure. Time will tell.

^ Perhaps but most people would find it hard to differentiate from many other large stadiums, it hasnt got that landmark recognisable feature that Wembley, or the Munich stadiums have. I would say the City Hall on the park in Cardiff is pretty recognised if not iconic.

I think mentioning the various British cities to a general member of the public (provided they are not from the city in question) and asking them to name an iconic structure there, you would get:

Birmingham - Selfridges
Manchester ?
Leeds ?
Liverpool ?
Newcastle - Tyne Bridge, Angel of the North
Blackpool - Tower
Edinburgh - Castle, Forth Bridge
Glasgow ?
London - Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, London Eye, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Wembley etc.
Bristol ?
Brighton ?
Cardiff - Millenium Stadium
Sheffield ?
Leicester ?
Nottingham ?

In saying that however, there are buildings in all of these cities which are iconic to locals and deserve to be nationally iconic at the least. If our media wasn't so London centric then perhaps more British buildings would be recognisable to the public and considered 'icons'.

Manchester - ?

Give it time....

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2253/2117805351_acaec20e8a.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/212/458110612_89015fe675_b.jpg

http://www.banyards.co.uk/images/projects/manchester7.jpg


...the Civil Justice Centre or 'The Filing Cabinet' :)

^^It might end up as iconic in the future, but I doubt any of my mates would have a clue what or where it is.

That's why i said 'give it time'! ;)

i cant think of owt for most cities, leeds, manchester, sheffield, glasgow etc.

the ones i can think of are london (big ben), liverpool - (those buildings on the waterfront), newcastle - that bridge thing, and maybe even birmingham - the bullring - its not inconic per se, but it registers on the phyche when u think of birmingham - largely because its been marketed well - its considered an asset.

Despite beetham manchester being the tallest outside of london, when u think of manchester u dont instantly think of beetham. canal st is all i can think of :D. as for leeds, people think of the failed football club and elland road maybe.

Most people outside the West Midlands/people interested in architecture won't know what Selfridges Birmingham is. I would expect the Liver Building is fairly unknown among the majority of people too. Edinburgh Castle, Tyne Bridge, Angel of the North, Blackpool Tower, Stonehenge, London landmarks and maybe the Millennium Stadium are the buildings that most people recognise nationally. Most people might recognise something regionally though; like Selfridges in Birmingham.

Well I've been thinking about this for some time now - not that I'm sad or anything - and I do believe that City Lofts...

http://links.pictures.aol.com/pic/b480ZMj2RxIaDcuBbEHK8x1YXGcNuwquQZrBv4xQp5Fd3Ig=_l.jpg

...will become Sheffield's iconic building.


I think the Cooling Towers by the M1 and water feature outside the Railway Station are more of an icon for Sheffield

The domes of Meadowhall are quite recognisable but I don't think people outside the region would know them that well.

Well as our cities are changing and we are getting new iconic buildings ie opera house in Cardiff, Sage, Law courts thing in Manchester etc. they might become associated with the cities - though im sorry Chogmook, no matter how much it is on tv i dont think that building will be iconic mainly due to its use, though i would say the library and city hall are very iconic of Manchester - also if you show a building of red brick / terracotta most people associate it with Manchester in my experiance. Its all to do with what you are interested in (ie sport - Stadiums etc), theatrics (Opera houses) Prison (Law courts in Manchester) Shopping (Bullring).

Other iconic buildings would be:
Eden project
Brighton pavillion
Brighton pier (maybe because it written on it)
and maybe these depending on your region
Brunnels bridges over the tamar
Bridges over the menai straight

I think mentioning the various British cities to a general member of the public (provided they are not from the city in question) and asking them to name an iconic structure there, you would get:

Birmingham - Selfridges
Manchester ?
Leeds ?
Liverpool ?
Newcastle - Tyne Bridge, Angel of the North
Blackpool - Tower
Edinburgh - Castle, Forth Bridge
Glasgow ?
London - Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, London Eye, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Wembley etc.
Bristol ?
Brighton ?
Cardiff - Millenium Stadium
Sheffield ?
Leicester ?
Nottingham ?

In saying that however, there are buildings in all of these cities which are iconic to locals and deserve to be nationally iconic at the least. If our media wasn't so London centric then perhaps more British buildings would be recognisable to the public and considered 'icons'.

Suspension Bridge :angel:

Brighton Pavillion :yes:

This is a photo of the new Cinema de Lux and John Lewis department store in Leicester's Highcross development, which I took in front of some vacant land - it's quite iconic:

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x20/lecimage/Highcross%20Leicester/IMG_0372_1.jpg

i've no idea how well joe public in the rest of the country know about Hull's most iconic structure, but it's a thing of beauty and wonder nonetheless.

It's iconic status might be quadrupled if it were allowed to be properly uplit at night, but it's not allowed due to the wildlife in the estuary (migrating birds etc.)

The Humber Bridge:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/135/405848790_26513e0d21_b.jpg

I would say Sheffield's most iconic building is the winter gardens by quite a long way. I had heard of them long before I came across skyscrapercity, but i've long had an interest in architecture. Currently they are being 'replicated' in a Glasgow Shopping Mall which I suppose says something towards their success. I wouldn't say, however that they are an icon as would be recognised by most member of the general public (big ben, millenium dome, blackpool tower, selfridges, tyne bridge etc.)

Regarding the Manchester court ... I would say a local icon perhaps, but not nationally. I don't think it's 'aesthetically pleasing' enough to warrant iconic status. There are buildings in Manchester that deserve to be recognised as such far ahead of this (Imperial War Museum) but haven't been marketed well enough to receive the recognition they deserve.

Icons are generally recognised as such right from their beginnings - Eden Project, Millenium Dome, Selfriges Birmingham, London Eye and maybe even the Falkirk Wheel to name a few modern icons.

Well as our cities are changing and we are getting new iconic buildings ie opera house in Cardiff, Sage, Law courts thing in Manchester etc. they might become associated with the cities - though im sorry Chogmook, no matter how much it is on tv i dont think that building will be iconic mainly due to its use, though i would say the library and city hall are very iconic of Manchester - also if you show a building of red brick / terracotta most people associate it with Manchester in my experiance. Its all to do with what you are interested in (ie sport - Stadiums etc), theatrics (Opera houses) Prison (Law courts in Manchester) Shopping (Bullring).

Other iconic buildings would be:
Eden project
Brighton pavillion
Brighton pier (maybe because it written on it)
and maybe these depending on your region
Brunnels bridges over the tamar
Bridges over the menai straight

I would agree that Brighton Pier was an icon, but I thought it burnt down?

Sorry Helium, but I think that the Clifton Suspension Bridge is more a local Icon than an international-icon, same with Brighton Pavillion.

Maybe there should be a Hierarchal measurement of icons in the country created especially for this thread?
International - Associated with the country by foreignors.
National - being recognisible to anyone in the UK.
Regional - being recognisble to anyone in the region of origin.
Civic - being recognisible within the town or city of origin.
Skyscrapercity - being recognisible only to members of this website because we're all sad.
?

I would say Clifton is fairly national though, even if I do confuse it with Menai :|

I would agree that Brighton Pier was an icon, but I thought it burnt down?

Sorry Helium, but I think that the Clifton Suspension Bridge is more a local Icon than an international-icon, same with Brighton Pavillion.Maybe there should be a Hierarchal measurement of icons in the country created especially for this thread?
International - Associated with the country by foreignors.
National - being recognisible to anyone in the UK.
Regional - being recognisble to anyone in the region of origin
Civic - being recognisible within the town or city of origin.
?

Wasn't aware it was international,just though you meant the UK general public.

Selfridges in Birmingham would also be just an icon to locals by that logic tbh :dunno:

:)

Hmmm ...

I'd put selfridges as a national icon and clifton as a local one.

I think most people know what or where selfridges is, but would look at clifton as just a bridge not really associating it with anywhere. Locals will know it well.

By locals i hope you mean the south west

I dunno. I think the Clifton bridge is easily as iconic as Selfridges, if not more. :dunno:

Hmmm ...

I'd put selfridges as a national icon and clifton as a local one.

I think most people know what or where selfridges is, but would look at clifton as just a bridge not really associating it with anywhere. Locals will know it well.
what most people think, or what you think? :tongue2: :)

because with regards to selfridges... they really dont!

Hmmm ...

I'd put selfridges as a national icon and clifton as a local one.

I think most people know what or where selfridges is, but would look at clifton as just a bridge not really associating it with anywhere. Locals will know it well.

What most people think, or what you think?

And yes, Cardiff, the South West region.

Drop those handbags or I'll shoot! ;)

Actually, back to Manc, theres nothing more iconic than Coronation Street to be honest (yes it's on the telly now!)

I dunno. I think the Clifton bridge is easily as iconic as Selfridges, if not more. :dunno:

http://www.clifton-suspension-bridge.org.uk/images/home_r1_c5.jpghttp://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/476996/2/istockphoto_476996_selfridges_birmingham_3.jpg

Dunno, I would't know that was Clifton to be honest, but how known is SellFridges? Maybe it needs to be in a film or something

Selfridges is the third most photographed building in the UK so that denotes a certain kind of iconic and lest we forget was on the Royal Mail's stamps of architecture of UK.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/images/2006/06/20/selfridges_stamp203_large_203x203.jpg

Surely when you get down to things being known as 'regionally iconic' they are in fact just landmarks, and don't have to be anything spectacular. I'd say the likes of Watford Gap service station is know nationally, but you couldn;'t call the buildin itself 'iconic'

Selfridges is the third most photographed building in the UK so that denotes a certain kind of iconic and lest we forget was on the Royal Mail's stamps of architecture of UK.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/images/2006/06/20/selfridges_stamp203_large_203x203.jpg

so was the Deep: :)

http://www.norphil.co.uk/catalog/images/060620-modarchset.jpg

And yes, Cardiff, the South West region.

well thats rather ignorant.

edit: i, coming off as rather touchy here :(

Surely when you get down to things being known as 'regionally iconic' they are in fact just landmarks, and don't have to be anything spectacular. I'd say the likes of Watford Gap service station is know nationally, but you couldn;'t call the buildin itself 'iconic'

UK's first motorway services, the building itself is iconic to a degree:)