I was so pleased to read an article by Norman Lebrecht reporting the new look Barbican Centre, which apparently has a much improved concert hall and theatre, as well as a more user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing environment.
Thanks to a Wikipedia article, I’ve discovered that the original architectural style is known as Brutalist (very apt)! There were also rumours while I was at Guildhall that the architect committed suicide after completing the Centre, but I have so far discovered no proof of that. Bottom line: the place needed help desperately!
From the first time as a teenager that I tried to find the Guildhall School of Music and Drama for a masterclass and arrived over thirty minutes late due to getting hopelessly lost, through my many years as a student and on staff there, I always felt sad that the Centre had such a down-trodden and functionalist air, despite the energy and talent of so many incredible artists.
The reports of the new-look Centre (and the resulting increase in attendance) are so encouraging that I’m actually looking forward to seeing it next time I’m back in England.