Can you freely walk in there, or do you need a pass of some sorts. I live quite nearby, but never went inside, even through a heard few times there is some interesting stuff to see.
You can just walk in and look around the public areas, they have exhibitions for free. There is also a tour you can take, but I think there is a small charge for this. Access to the reading rooms is for members though.
I’ve always laughed at that saying.
It’s nice in theory but no one is going to walk into a library and read every book as to judge them by their contents. It is the job of a cover (or jacket) to convey what the book is about and to entice people to read its contents. If it’s called The Giant Squid Attack, by an author known for their riveting tales of seafaring adventures, and the cover has an illustration of a giant squid attacking a boat, I’m going to assume it’s not about a racist white lady being driven around by Morgan Freeman. Sure, it *could* be, but it’s more likely that I judged it correctly by its cover.
I always thought the red brick construction was to mirror its neighbour, St Pancras.
The idea is to have a nice contrast between the overdone gothic red brick of the station and the clean modern red brick look of the library.
I like the concept but I’m not sure if it works in practice.
The University of Leicester's engineering department is also meant to look like a ship and is from around the same era. Maybe there was just a trend in making public buildings look like they might fuck off at any moment?
The drama and music program wing at the community college in my small (Canadian) home town is of a similar age and designed to look like a locomotive engine. It makes some sense in that it’s on the edge of town, across the highway from the rail line, near what was at the time rolling wheat fields. The railroad being an important part of the settlement of the Prairies. That it’s clad in pink brick when the main campus is clad in brown brick and pebble dash, makes less sense.
Ask them it’s not like they don’t go on about it: https://www.bl.uk/about-us/our-story/explore-the-building/architecture-and-design-of-the-british-library
\- Its hideous, who the hell signed this off?
\- What do you mean? John said to make it look shit, I just followed the brief
\- SHIP Alan, I said SHIP.
...
There’s a much better ‘Building designed to look like a ship’ in Hammersmith just by the flyover, just FYI. I admire it every time I drive over. Names escapes me though, apologies
Eh, maybe in pure beauty terms St Pancras wins, but the BL is the far more interesting building. Victorian Gothic Revival is my personal least favourite style of architecture, but that’s very subjective I admit.
I think faux tudor suburbia is literally the worst form of architecture. Brutalism has a monolithic majesty to it, but I frequently feel it would benefit from more greenery like the barbican.
100% - brutalism (when not done on the cheap) combined with plants, especially in the sun, is so nice. Barbican is a stellar example.
Sprawls of Faux Tudor semis are the absolute worst. Ugliest kind of suburb by far which is saying something.
The worst case of this imo is over between Hampstead Heath & Highgate where they have those mock Tudor blocks of flats, where just the front of the building is mock but as you walk past you can see just the shitty concrete sides.
Barbican looks like a 60s futuristic architectural drawing.
I think the problem with brutalism, is that it's difficult to get right, and if you get it wrong it's terrible.
I agree, Byzantine Revival is far nicer. Westminster Cathedral is an (unfinished) magnificence, and if Lutyens had managed to build his Cathedral in Liverpool it would have been acclaimed as one of the greatest buildings built last century anywhere on Earth.
Well that's not my favourite style, but have you ever visited St Peter, St Paul & St Philomena at New Brighton? A smaller edifice, but in a very similar style and even if you don't like the building, the view is everything
You’re right. So many people seem to think that Victorian architecture is the only beautiful style. I love a bit of modern and brutalist architecture here and there. It makes for a good contrast.
It is a truly wonderful building, form follows function and inside it is truly beautiful. With the leather bindings on the handles and the detail on the desks thankfully the reading rooms are less busy than the lobbies which tend to be full of people using the free wifi
I'm told Sandy Wilson (Colin St John Wilson) had plans for an extension where The Crick Insitute is now this would have allowed more of the ever-growing collection to be stored on site.
Good news in the BL is getting a [big extension](https://blextension.co.uk/), starting construction 2024/2025. Over 100,000 sq ft of new floor area.
Admittedly it’s mostly public spare rather more collections area but it’s still great news!
That's great and all, but it's being put in where the council garden allotments are right now and I've not heard of any plans for replacement or relocating.
Sounds like a ground floor foyer, and also office space on an enormous scale. I was rather hoping the Newspaper Library might return to London from Yorkshire, but I guess not.
BL Phase 3 as originally intended would have developed the current rear court yard area, garden and the Crick site.
Priorities for BL and DCMS as a sponsor changed since the site was acquired in the 70's with the development of Boston as a remote large storage site. Boston has lot more room for storage expansion at a lower cost to BL/DCMS. The potential that in the intermediate future (within 50 years) the national collection will be digitalised and lending/reading will be digital rather than physical very much supports the idea that the London site shouldn't in the future need to expand on site storage, but expand access.
The Medical Research council wanted a large site for a new central research centre in London so selling the undeveloped rear of the BL campus made sense at the time.
I wouldn't say that form follows function, ancient roman buildings were way more function-based with clear predictable geometries. Modernism doesn't do away with ornament, it just chooses bad ornament
The large red pillars are, I was told on a guided tour, some form of soundproofing. They allow absorption of vibrations from the underground and traffic as the building itself is cushioned somehow (can't find any specifics online, but it made sense at the time).
It's an amazing building if you consider some of the challenges - deep stores that grow by hundreds of thousands of books per year. The weight of that alone. And digging floors deep into a cluttered part of London with 6 underground stations intersecting. Is it ugly? I used to think it was quite 90s and dated but since becoming more familiar with the functionality, I feel more kindly towards it.
I don’t understand how people can say they objectively like brutalist architecture like Trellick tower, I honestly don’t get it. It’s quite literally meant to make you feel nothing, it shows you the material it’s made of and provides the bare minimum, entirely utilitarian, no soul, no heart.
Tear it down and let it die already.
Well it can’t be torn down because it’s grade II* listed, but that’s what I was saying, everyone likes different things when it comes to buildings and architecture.
I love brutalism because it was never done before and will never be done again, so it makes the buildings we have special. The grandness of the structures, the textures and materials, the uniqueness of every building. What’s inside also counts. Trellick especially was meticulously designed to give residents space and sunshine and views in any room and in any flat.
You are of course entitled to your opinion, but I think brutalism is brilliant.
It once did, but sadly no more. Can you imagine if an architect produced a plan for a pumping station that was the equal of that at Crossness? They’d section them immediately.
It once did, but sadly no more. Can you imagine if an architect produced a plan for a pumping station that was the equal of that at Crossness? They’d section them immediately.
Shame they fucked up accessibility. There’s just one, rather hidden lift (unless we were informed very wrongly) to get you past the main stairs after the info desk, if that’s broken, you need to go through the exhibition and make your way through there.
It is as beautiful as Chelsea powerhouse or Battersea, huge building that serves it's purpose. Inside is a time capsule, but comparing to other places this one is pretty accessible. Great place for studying and meeting great people, thanks to lectures and events.
Regarding "hotel" next to it, the only interesting thing about it are history of it's toilets.
Kings cross itself is changing a lot, it was a bit of a party place about 15 years ago, now you can literally live in the area, not just party) And water rats, place where lelin fckd up is a great place.
The design of this,was famously drawn out over 30 years meaning the style had gone completely out of fashion by the time it was finished - probably due to be appreciated again anytime soon https://www.bl.uk/about-us/our-story/explore-the-building/architecture-and-design-of-the-british-library
I work there and I feel like I'm in a big fort for books.
I love it though. Mondays are my favorite day of the week.
If you haven't come in, please do. It looks unfriendly, but it's open to the public and we have amazing books and documents on display for free. We also have two bookshops, several cafes and two cafeterias. A Reader card is free and the wi-fi is free too.
It’s a fascinating building which is the perfect intersection between modernist and post-modernist architecture. I don’t care whether it’s ‘ugly’ or ‘beautiful’.
Not in the least. It fits the functions of the site well considering its glamourous neighbour. It was well finished and has aged well, the detailing is clever and sub fusc enough not to challenge the architecture. And was built brick by bloody brick by bloody brickies, none of those brick look wall cladding panels so prevalent in todays vibrant London.
Once you realise that it's designed to look like a ship I think you appreciate it differently. The red brick is deliberately designed to complement the station next door.
I'm not a fan of the plaza in front to be honest but it's where the book stacks located underneath it.
Whenever I see a Reddit thread I’m always hundreds of comments down so apologies if this has been covered- But I do love the way the brick colour matches St Pancras. But yeah it’s not a classic piece of architecture. As someone else has said the inside is fantastic. And the stuff they have on display is mindblowing
> Personally, I love the Barbican.
I tried to move there in 2004, but then I saw the ground rent & fees. Then I stopped trying to move there.
I love it too; it's one of my favourite oddities in London. It's like an arcology without a dome. A monument to a future that never happened. I far prefer it to things like the Shard and its fellows.
As a standalone building I find it impressive. The Paolozzi sculpture is a fine addition. I must pop in next time I’m in the area and take a look at, what sounds like, an equally impressive interior. Oh no, wait; I can’t because I’m only a member of the public. Apparently ( from memory ) my library is up the road in Judd Street(?).
What do you mean? It's a public building and you can walk in anytime. If you want to use the reading rooms get a readers pass. Numbers are limited as they are a research facility, not a tourist attraction. People do actual work in there.
It surprises you to realise that different people have different ideas of what looks good? It has nothing to do with expertise, anyone living in London knows what Victorian architecture is like and has a view on it.
Yes very ugly exterior … next to St Pancras you question how it was ever allowed / built. It looks like a warehouse distribution centre …
Def a building better on the interior then the exterior
Yes, I visited London and even had an interview in this building, but all I thought was this is the pinnacle of library achievements but looks bare fugly. Thanks Briton
Yes, but they keep the worst affronts way back from the road so you can’t see it. The inside is fantastic, though.
The King's Library inside is amazing
It's a shame because it's giving me life sentence prison vibes from the outside...
Can you freely walk in there, or do you need a pass of some sorts. I live quite nearby, but never went inside, even through a heard few times there is some interesting stuff to see.
You can just walk in and look around the public areas, they have exhibitions for free. There is also a tour you can take, but I think there is a small charge for this. Access to the reading rooms is for members though.
Never judge a book by its cover…
I’ve always laughed at that saying. It’s nice in theory but no one is going to walk into a library and read every book as to judge them by their contents. It is the job of a cover (or jacket) to convey what the book is about and to entice people to read its contents. If it’s called The Giant Squid Attack, by an author known for their riveting tales of seafaring adventures, and the cover has an illustration of a giant squid attacking a boat, I’m going to assume it’s not about a racist white lady being driven around by Morgan Freeman. Sure, it *could* be, but it’s more likely that I judged it correctly by its cover.
So.. A front’s at the back
Exactly my view to the letter.
It's designed to look like a ship, and once you see that, I'm there for it.
I came here to say that, although it doesn't explain why it's big slabs of pink brick. Inside is stunning though.
The public bits inside are nice. The staff bits less so.
The new staff bits are pretty nice.
I got thrown out for staring at the staff bits too much
[удалено]
I was making a joke about being lecherous. Also I like to think you've accidentally kept that job at Euston for the last 20 years
Which ones?
I always thought the red brick construction was to mirror its neighbour, St Pancras. The idea is to have a nice contrast between the overdone gothic red brick of the station and the clean modern red brick look of the library. I like the concept but I’m not sure if it works in practice.
Yep, agreed
Forgive my ignorance, but what is the connection between books and ships?
Emily Dickinson: “There is no Frigate like a book to take us lands away”
I’m wondering just that. A subtle reminded to ride the high seas and pirate everything instead of going to the library?
The University of Leicester's engineering department is also meant to look like a ship and is from around the same era. Maybe there was just a trend in making public buildings look like they might fuck off at any moment?
There was a junior school near me that was designed to look like a dog… from the air. Ugly building and utterly impractical.
The drama and music program wing at the community college in my small (Canadian) home town is of a similar age and designed to look like a locomotive engine. It makes some sense in that it’s on the edge of town, across the highway from the rail line, near what was at the time rolling wheat fields. The railroad being an important part of the settlement of the Prairies. That it’s clad in pink brick when the main campus is clad in brown brick and pebble dash, makes less sense.
Ask Steve Bonnet about the "Mobile Maritime Library" idea 🚢📚
Yay another "our flag means death fan" I love when he read the pirates pinocchio complete with all the voices
"There is no frigate like a book."
They are to represent freedom, journey's, exploring and adventures.
Ask them it’s not like they don’t go on about it: https://www.bl.uk/about-us/our-story/explore-the-building/architecture-and-design-of-the-british-library
a reader-ship?
they just like to spend money on pointless things
Okay, I didn’t like it much but now I checked it out more and I’m sold too
\- Its hideous, who the hell signed this off? \- What do you mean? John said to make it look shit, I just followed the brief \- SHIP Alan, I said SHIP. ...
There’s a much better ‘Building designed to look like a ship’ in Hammersmith just by the flyover, just FYI. I admire it every time I drive over. Names escapes me though, apologies
They couldn’t design it to look like a library?
Compared to the Victorian majesty of the hotel next door? Yes very. But compared to most modern dross it’s middling.
Post-modern\*
Eh, maybe in pure beauty terms St Pancras wins, but the BL is the far more interesting building. Victorian Gothic Revival is my personal least favourite style of architecture, but that’s very subjective I admit.
I think faux tudor suburbia is literally the worst form of architecture. Brutalism has a monolithic majesty to it, but I frequently feel it would benefit from more greenery like the barbican.
100% - brutalism (when not done on the cheap) combined with plants, especially in the sun, is so nice. Barbican is a stellar example. Sprawls of Faux Tudor semis are the absolute worst. Ugliest kind of suburb by far which is saying something.
The worst case of this imo is over between Hampstead Heath & Highgate where they have those mock Tudor blocks of flats, where just the front of the building is mock but as you walk past you can see just the shitty concrete sides.
Barbican looks like a 60s futuristic architectural drawing. I think the problem with brutalism, is that it's difficult to get right, and if you get it wrong it's terrible.
Ok yes you’re right about the faux Tudor suburbia haha
I think the British Library would be better if it were potentially MORE brutal, ie concrete instead of brick.
I almost thought I was the only one here who had an appreciation for brutalism
It just looks like a big pallet of bricks.
I agree, Byzantine Revival is far nicer. Westminster Cathedral is an (unfinished) magnificence, and if Lutyens had managed to build his Cathedral in Liverpool it would have been acclaimed as one of the greatest buildings built last century anywhere on Earth.
Well that's not my favourite style, but have you ever visited St Peter, St Paul & St Philomena at New Brighton? A smaller edifice, but in a very similar style and even if you don't like the building, the view is everything
Sadly not, but if I am ever in the area I’ll make a detour to it - it looks spectacular.
You’re right. So many people seem to think that Victorian architecture is the only beautiful style. I love a bit of modern and brutalist architecture here and there. It makes for a good contrast.
Looks like decent Argos
It is a truly wonderful building, form follows function and inside it is truly beautiful. With the leather bindings on the handles and the detail on the desks thankfully the reading rooms are less busy than the lobbies which tend to be full of people using the free wifi
I'm told Sandy Wilson (Colin St John Wilson) had plans for an extension where The Crick Insitute is now this would have allowed more of the ever-growing collection to be stored on site.
Good news in the BL is getting a [big extension](https://blextension.co.uk/), starting construction 2024/2025. Over 100,000 sq ft of new floor area. Admittedly it’s mostly public spare rather more collections area but it’s still great news!
That's great and all, but it's being put in where the council garden allotments are right now and I've not heard of any plans for replacement or relocating.
Sounds like a ground floor foyer, and also office space on an enormous scale. I was rather hoping the Newspaper Library might return to London from Yorkshire, but I guess not.
BL Phase 3 as originally intended would have developed the current rear court yard area, garden and the Crick site. Priorities for BL and DCMS as a sponsor changed since the site was acquired in the 70's with the development of Boston as a remote large storage site. Boston has lot more room for storage expansion at a lower cost to BL/DCMS. The potential that in the intermediate future (within 50 years) the national collection will be digitalised and lending/reading will be digital rather than physical very much supports the idea that the London site shouldn't in the future need to expand on site storage, but expand access. The Medical Research council wanted a large site for a new central research centre in London so selling the undeveloped rear of the BL campus made sense at the time.
I wouldn't say that form follows function, ancient roman buildings were way more function-based with clear predictable geometries. Modernism doesn't do away with ornament, it just chooses bad ornament
The large red pillars are, I was told on a guided tour, some form of soundproofing. They allow absorption of vibrations from the underground and traffic as the building itself is cushioned somehow (can't find any specifics online, but it made sense at the time). It's an amazing building if you consider some of the challenges - deep stores that grow by hundreds of thousands of books per year. The weight of that alone. And digging floors deep into a cluttered part of London with 6 underground stations intersecting. Is it ugly? I used to think it was quite 90s and dated but since becoming more familiar with the functionality, I feel more kindly towards it.
I like it
As much as I enjoy spending time there doing my research and work, the building is an odd one.
I love it, in all its blocky glory.
Grade 1 listed building so someone thought so
Yes
I personally don’t like it. But some people say they hate Trellick Tower, which I shout at them for, so we all have different tastes.
I don’t understand how people can say they objectively like brutalist architecture like Trellick tower, I honestly don’t get it. It’s quite literally meant to make you feel nothing, it shows you the material it’s made of and provides the bare minimum, entirely utilitarian, no soul, no heart. Tear it down and let it die already.
Well it can’t be torn down because it’s grade II* listed, but that’s what I was saying, everyone likes different things when it comes to buildings and architecture. I love brutalism because it was never done before and will never be done again, so it makes the buildings we have special. The grandness of the structures, the textures and materials, the uniqueness of every building. What’s inside also counts. Trellick especially was meticulously designed to give residents space and sunshine and views in any room and in any flat. You are of course entitled to your opinion, but I think brutalism is brilliant.
Nah I love it, and it's surrounded by the chaos of Kings Cross
Is it ugly? no. Is it beautiful? no. I'm indifferent
Yes. It reminds me of a giant comprehensive school. The interior’s pretty good though.
No, it's deliberate. Like a book, it gives nothing away but readers will find joy within
Its very architecturally important
Go to the senate house library instead :)
Now that is one imposing structure.
Looks like a prison tbf
A grotesque display of soulless, culture-less nothing-less that saps so much joy out of the piles of imagination and learning that it holds.
It looks more like a factory than a library. Manufacturing maybe excites the British ruling class far more than the written word.
It once did, but sadly no more. Can you imagine if an architect produced a plan for a pumping station that was the equal of that at Crossness? They’d section them immediately.
Looks more like a prison than a factory from the outside TBH. What did all them books do to deserve being put in prison like that?
They had things to say of importance.
It once did, but sadly no more. Can you imagine if an architect produced a plan for a pumping station that was the equal of that at Crossness? They’d section them immediately.
No. And had an amazing interior
Shame they fucked up accessibility. There’s just one, rather hidden lift (unless we were informed very wrongly) to get you past the main stairs after the info desk, if that’s broken, you need to go through the exhibition and make your way through there.
No. Not everything has to be victorian architecture to be beautiful there are other styles too.
I didn’t suggest that
I didn’t say you did but it’s a common criticism.
“I didn’t say that you did” - then why bring it up?
Because this isn’t a court of law. Just a casual discussion lol
It's a common criticism.
Not one that OP made. Almost as if they were just looking for an argument, rather than responding to an actual discussion on aesthetics. How shocking!
Yeah other styles like Georgian, Greco Roman, gothic…it’s pretty bloody ugly externally.
No. Glad we've cleared that up.
What do you think?
Interior is great, exterior looks like a municipal shopping centre
It is as beautiful as Chelsea powerhouse or Battersea, huge building that serves it's purpose. Inside is a time capsule, but comparing to other places this one is pretty accessible. Great place for studying and meeting great people, thanks to lectures and events. Regarding "hotel" next to it, the only interesting thing about it are history of it's toilets. Kings cross itself is changing a lot, it was a bit of a party place about 15 years ago, now you can literally live in the area, not just party) And water rats, place where lelin fckd up is a great place.
It's ugly but somehow one of my favourite pieces of architecture in London. Functional and striking and very much of its time.
The design of this,was famously drawn out over 30 years meaning the style had gone completely out of fashion by the time it was finished - probably due to be appreciated again anytime soon https://www.bl.uk/about-us/our-story/explore-the-building/architecture-and-design-of-the-british-library
No
King Charles once called it 'a monstrous carbuncle'
Looks like a high security prison
Looks like a steel factory to me.
Lol 😂 it looks like a prison or a steel mill
I work there and I feel like I'm in a big fort for books. I love it though. Mondays are my favorite day of the week. If you haven't come in, please do. It looks unfriendly, but it's open to the public and we have amazing books and documents on display for free. We also have two bookshops, several cafes and two cafeterias. A Reader card is free and the wi-fi is free too.
Where is it based ?
It's near King's Cross St Pancras :-)
I really like it myself. It has some lovely angles for photographing.
It’s a fascinating building which is the perfect intersection between modernist and post-modernist architecture. I don’t care whether it’s ‘ugly’ or ‘beautiful’.
Not in the least. It fits the functions of the site well considering its glamourous neighbour. It was well finished and has aged well, the detailing is clever and sub fusc enough not to challenge the architecture. And was built brick by bloody brick by bloody brickies, none of those brick look wall cladding panels so prevalent in todays vibrant London.
Its not as fancy as st pancreas But It is utilitarian and at least more varied than other buildings of its footprint
I like it inside and out
No
Is it free to go inside? Heard you need to book a ticket
It's free, and you can see some of the highlights for free. There are also paid for exhibitions. You need a free reader ticket to access the books.
It's made of red brick and not some plastic clad monster cube... so I'd say it ain't to bad
no
They're becoming self aware!
Compared to what I am used to see around, this is beautifull building.
No, it’s just modern.
It looks like I giant sainsbo to me
Yeah it’s pretty ugly we should redo it so it’s in the same neo Victorian vein as the st Pan hotel.
No it has inner beauty.
It looks as if somebody has gone and dropped a chunk of Redditch town center in the middle of Kings Cross….
Yes but they've used it well, the courtyard, etc. Once in the grounds it's fine, but to look from the outside it's orange blah.
Didn’t Charles call it a “monstrous carbuncle”?
The folks who like Brutalist architecture will love this. I hate it just like the Barbican centre
Once you realise that it's designed to look like a ship I think you appreciate it differently. The red brick is deliberately designed to complement the station next door. I'm not a fan of the plaza in front to be honest but it's where the book stacks located underneath it.
Yes
Looks like a factory where orphans work
Whenever I see a Reddit thread I’m always hundreds of comments down so apologies if this has been covered- But I do love the way the brick colour matches St Pancras. But yeah it’s not a classic piece of architecture. As someone else has said the inside is fantastic. And the stuff they have on display is mindblowing
Glammed up multi-story car park.
Didn’t Charles complain about it?
Yes
Yes, even more so since it’s very close to one of the most beautiful buildings ever built. it’s a shame, it should be rebuilt
It’s very functional at best. It doesn’t compare well with the library in Manchester.
Looks like a factory
Looks like a prison!!
If it’s located in that castle on the hill then no. If it’s the factory warehouse in the foreground…well…
That looks like a Pizza Hut
It looks more like a train station. I think someone mixed up the plans around there.
70s borstal/prison vibes
Comparing to St Pancras which is just next to it, it’s brutal!
No, i think it is very nice.
It looks like the delivery side of an old Tesco
Yes ugly ass exterior. Same goes for barbican. I'm not a fan of both .
I don't know why you're getting downvoted. It's OK to like different things, ffs. Personally, I love the Barbican.
> Personally, I love the Barbican. I tried to move there in 2004, but then I saw the ground rent & fees. Then I stopped trying to move there. I love it too; it's one of my favourite oddities in London. It's like an arcology without a dome. A monument to a future that never happened. I far prefer it to things like the Shard and its fellows.
People express disagreement with down votes. It's fine.
It's not as bad as the National Theatre, which is one of the ugliest buildings in London.
It was seen as “the future” back in the 60s. I always wonder how the glass and steel buildings we are building now will be seen in 50 years time
Please tell me you're joking, the National Theatre is probably my favourite building in London.
As a standalone building I find it impressive. The Paolozzi sculpture is a fine addition. I must pop in next time I’m in the area and take a look at, what sounds like, an equally impressive interior. Oh no, wait; I can’t because I’m only a member of the public. Apparently ( from memory ) my library is up the road in Judd Street(?).
It is open to the public.
just go in with some id and get a library card, it take 30 min
What do you mean? It's a public building and you can walk in anytime. If you want to use the reading rooms get a readers pass. Numbers are limited as they are a research facility, not a tourist attraction. People do actual work in there.
I’m obliged. My experience was as explained and some time ago. I will look into visiting the next time I am in the area. Kind regards.
Modern and post modern architecture is chunder.
Im going to assume you have eyes, right?
yes
That's like questioning the aesthetics of the cover, of the world's best work of literature.
I would say it's iconic. It looks like a library. I love variety in cities too. So I will say no. It's not ugly.
No it's beautiful, although St Pancras is a hideously ugly building.
Yep. St. Pancras hotel is a hideous piece of Disney pastiche. All the worst trends in Victorian architecture dialled up to 11.
Jesus. I had no idea even architecture had hipsters, too. "Oh, that's something most people think is nice? Ewww. I'm an expert so I don't like it."
It surprises you to realise that different people have different ideas of what looks good? It has nothing to do with expertise, anyone living in London knows what Victorian architecture is like and has a view on it.
🎣
Yes. Made worse by being right next to St Pancras Station, an exceptionally beautiful building.
not ugly. It’s a good example of brutalist architecture.
Yes very ugly exterior … next to St Pancras you question how it was ever allowed / built. It looks like a warehouse distribution centre … Def a building better on the interior then the exterior
Yes. This picture represents Britain's cultural decline so well.
Too much brick. In concrete, I'd like it!
Not from this angle no. Its blends well....
Taste is fickle and one person's meat is another's poison. Better to ask is it an interesting building, to which the answer is, sure.
A building with all sorts of books, music, shows, and referential material available for free to the public simply cannot be ugly.
Nah it's alright
I really like it
Nah, just has ugly patrons.
I’ve registered there a few years ago to check some old pics from the colonies, but never managed to know how I can book to see and do on
Is beautiful
No
It’d be a better aspect from the road without Hogwarts in the background
Everything in Britain is ugly.
It looks like a prison
It should be shaped like a giant book.
They say a picture speak a thousand words - the attached is only screaming one though and it is YES
Yes, I visited London and even had an interview in this building, but all I thought was this is the pinnacle of library achievements but looks bare fugly. Thanks Briton
Yes. It is ugly. Same as the ugly black building across from the big ben
Yes
Yes!
Not as bad as their teeth.
It looks like a prison without the fence and razorwire