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London’s architectural history is a rich tapestry that weaves together styles of various periods and influences. In the post-war era, the city experienced a surge in modern architecture, becoming a canvas for experimentation. New stylistic movements saw their expression crystalized through buildings such as Richard Rogers’ Lloyd’s Building, one of the most representative examples of High-Tech architecture, or the Barbican Estate, a large-scale housing estate that became the iconic structure for Brutalist architecture.
London’s contemporary architectural landscape continues to evolve, in part through the works of internationally-recognized architects such as Norman Foster, Zaha Hadid, and Thomas Heatherwick. This varied blend of styles, and ways of expression reflects the city’s ability to embrace architectural movements of global significance. As a center for innovation, London continues to attract established and emerging architects who shape its skyline and contribute to its international architectural discourse, with each new building offering a glimpse into the ever-changing nature of London’s urban fabric.
The following list showcases 30 modern, brutalist, and contemporary architecture projects highlighting the diversity of London’s architecture scene, featuring works from internationally renowned architects such as Foster + Partners, Herzog & de Meuron, Richard Rogers, Thomas Heatherwick, and Zaha Hadid Architects.
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Copenhagen Architecture City Guide: 20 Projects to Discover in the 2023 UNESCO World Capital of Architecture30 St Mary Axe Tower / Foster + Partners
![London Architecture City Guide: 20 Modern and Contemporary Attractions to Explore in UK’s Cultural and Financial Powerhouse - Image 3 of 31](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/649c/670f/5921/183e/3b97/89cc/medium_jpg/london-architecture-city-guide-20-modern-and-contemporary-attractions-to-explore-in-uks-cultural-and-financial-powerhouse_1.jpg?1687971619)
Barbican Estate / Chamberlin, Powell and Bon
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Tate Modern Switch House / Herzog & de Meuron
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NEO Bankside / Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners
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London City Hall / Foster + Partners
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The Shard / Renzo Piano Building Workshop
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Lloyd's Building / Richard Rogers
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The Scalpel / KPF
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Battersea Power Station / Wilkinson Eyre
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London Aquatics Centre for 2012 Summer Olympics / Zaha Hadid Architects
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King’s Cross Station / John McAslan + Partners
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Trellick Tower / Erno Goldfinger
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Sainsbury Wing, National Gallery London / Venturi Scott Brown
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The Serpentine Sackler Gallery / Zaha Hadid Architects
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The Leadenhall Building / Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners
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The Great Court of the British Museum / Foster & Partners
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Newport Street Gallery / Caruso St John Architects
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Alexandra Road Estate / Neave Brown
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Orion Building, Post Graduate Centre of London Metropolitain University / Daniel Libeskind
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Coal Drops Yard / Heatherwick Studio
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The Pavilion / acme
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London 2012 Velodrome / Hopkins Architects
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Royal National Theatre / Denys Lasdun
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Central St. Giles Court / Renzo Piano + Fletcher Priest Architects
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Gridiron, One St. Pancras Square / David Chipperfield Architects
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Courtyard Expansion at London's V&A Museum / AL_A
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London School of Economics Marshall Building / Grafton Architects
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London Olympic Stadium / Populous
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20 Fenchurch Street / Rafael Viñoly Architects
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Town Hall Hotel / rare
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You can visit our list of Architecture City Guides.