What stands out as Manchesters Most Iconic Building?

[andysimo123]

Saw this in another thread and in some cities buildings stand out. Big Ben, Liver Building, Roman Baths, Edinburgh Castle for example. So if you think of Manchester what building do you think of?

[nerd]

Originally Posted by andysimo123

Saw this in another thread and in some cities buildings stand out. Big Ben, Liver Building, Roman Baths, Edinburgh Castle for example. So if you think of Manchester what building do you think of?

probably the central library. By no means the best building in the city centre, but because of its highly distinctive shape and volume, and the way it dominates the view down Oxford Street ; it is the one that seems to figure in films where "Manchester" is being established as a location.

[Griff]

There are several that are in the running, or at least deserve to be considered "iconic". Urbis, for instance, the Town Hall, Central Library as mentioned above, G-MEX, the IWM, the Lowry and the CJC all spring to mind. Even Beetham, given its total domination of the skyline, should be there too.

However, given its international renown and recognizability the world over, the most iconic building in the Manchester conurbation has to be ... Old Trafford football ground.

[Leeds No.1]

Originally Posted by Griff

However, given its international renown and recognizability the world over, the most iconic building in the Manchester conurbation has to be ... Old Trafford football ground.

Definitely.

[Chogmook]

It ain't called the 'Theatre Of Dreams' for nothing!

[chameleontel]

C.I.S. Tower?

[The Longford]

Before they took the antenna down - The Granada Building

[moseeds]

I'm not from Manchester but whenever I see the town hall I know it's Manchester.

[macc]

Palace Hotel

[ScouseinManc]

There are a few;

The Palace Hotel
Urbis
Central Station
The CIS tower

However, the one that stands out for me the most (& for obvious reasons) has to be the Beetham Tower.

[Accura4Matalan]

For me, the GMEX.

[Chorley Boi]

I'd have to say the town hall or the midland hotel

But in terms of representing modern manchester id have to go for the Beetham

[Mez]

Let's face facts.

I show you a photo of a bulky, yellow, rain stained tower....That has ARNDALE written on it.

You don't need to think twice.

[nicky2tu]

I don't think Manchester has an truly iconic buildings (or structures for that matter). All of the above are great buildings and are an asset to the City but none really says "Manchester" for me.

An iconic building for me has to either be unique (e.g., Guggenheim) or just sums up a city (e.g. Flat Iron). Most iconic buildings are either Palaces, places of worship, buildings that represent power (Houses of Parliament, Congress, etc).

Most of what passes for a postcard representation of a city are stuctures (Eiffel Tower, London Bridge, Statue of Liberty) or city skylines (Manhattan, Liverpool water front).

I like to think of this as an opportunity.

[yoshef]

Draw silhouettes of all your buildings. The one thats most recognisable is probably the most iconic.

[SPIDER-MAN]

Originally Posted by yoshef

Draw silhouettes of all your buildings. The one thats most recognisable is probably the most iconic.

it has to be the CIS tower then.

[Cherguevara]

The Rovers Return surely?

It may not sum up modern Manchester but it is a visual symbol of the city it is unsurpassed.

[Mez]

I suppose the real answer is dependant on who is asked.

Rovers Return- British
Old Trafford- European/ Worldwide

Trafford Park- Astronaut

[yoshef]

Is the Rovers a real building though, or just part of a set? I can't stand soap operas, so you'll have to forgive the question!

[JDRS]

Beetham/CIS/Town Hall/Old Trafford stand out the most.

Although Manchester doesn't have one building that is instantly iconically recognised with the city like some other cities. Not necessarily a bad thing mind.