London Architecture City Guide: 20 Modern and Contemporary Attractions to Explore in UK’s Cultural and Financial Powerhouse (2024)

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.

+ 26

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, , Richard Rogers, Thomas Heatherwick, and Zaha Hadid Architects.

30 St Mary Axe Tower / Foster + Partners

Barbican Estate / Chamberlin, Powell and Bon

NEO Bankside / Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners

London City Hall / Foster + Partners

The Shard / Renzo Piano Building Workshop

Lloyd's Building / Richard Rogers

The Scalpel / KPF

Battersea Power Station / Wilkinson Eyre

London Aquatics Centre for 2012 Summer Olympics / Zaha Hadid Architects

King’s Cross Station / John McAslan + Partners

Trellick Tower / Erno Goldfinger

Sainsbury Wing, National Gallery London / Venturi Scott Brown

The Serpentine Sackler Gallery / Zaha Hadid Architects

The Leadenhall Building / Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners

The Great Court of the British Museum /

Newport Street Gallery / Caruso St John Architects

Alexandra Road Estate / Neave Brown

Orion Building, Post Graduate Centre of London Metropolitain University / Daniel Libeskind

Coal Drops Yard / Heatherwick Studio

The Pavilion / acme

London 2012 Velodrome / Hopkins Architects

Royal National Theatre / Denys Lasdun

Central St. Giles Court / Renzo Piano + Fletcher Priest Architects

Gridiron, One St. Pancras Square / David Chipperfield Architects

London School of Economics Marshall Building / Grafton Architects

London Olympic Stadium / Populous

20 Fenchurch Street / Rafael Viñoly Architects

Town Hall Hotel / rare

You can visit our list of Architecture City Guides.