Manchester’s architecture has been strongly influenced by the Industrial Revolution as it was that period of history that brought the most prosperity and economic development to the city. The city’s canals and commercial waterways were the bloodlines of local industry. Anything from raw materials to manufactured goods were being shipped up and down Manchester’s canals generating profit for the many factories and mills, and for the city as a whole. The opening of the Manchester Ship Canal in eighteen ninety four marks one of the city’s most productive periods in terms of business and architecture after the Industrial Revolution decades. The upturn of business and industry brought by the canal was also the drive behind the construction boom in Manchester at the start of the twentieth century thus the high number of industrial estates dating back to late nineteenth – early twentieth century. One major innovation to be introduced to construction projects at the time was steel frame building technique. At the time, all branches of local industry were feeling well so to speak, good economic climate meant that new segments of the economy like Manchester van removals were emerging and staying for good. More construction projects meant more work for people thus more people relocating their house closer to work – that’s how industrialisation keeps other supporting segments of the economy going.
Use of steel frame building techniques which became hugely popular at the end of the nineteenth and start of the twentieth century resulted in some of Manchester’s most majestic and grand buildings. Prior to outbreak of WWI, Britain was in the heyday of its Imperial Age, the so called triumph of Pax Brittanica. This period was marked by intense construction of ever growing proportions. Industrial estates, along with public buildings were built better and grander than ever before. Manchester’s epic construction and development program continued for a good decade after the end of WWI.
Use of steel frame building techniques which became hugely popular at the end of the nineteenth and start of the twentieth century resulted in some of Manchester’s most majestic and grand buildings. Prior to outbreak of WWI, Britain was in the heyday of its Imperial Age, the so called triumph of Pax Brittanica. This period was marked by intense construction of ever growing proportions. Industrial estates, along with public buildings were built better and grander than ever before. Manchester’s epic construction and development program continued for a good decade after the end of WWI.
During the twentieth century the city has completed and unveiled a vast number of either new or regenerated buildings. Architectural and construction programs initiated by Manchester authorities have resulted in a diverse skyline of buildings and structures reflecting the city’s glorious industrial past and its never ending strive for innovation. Here are some of the best examples of traditional, period and contemporary architecture in Manchester today:
First Church of Christ Scientist – This happens to be the first ever purpose built church for Christian scientists in Great Britain. Its architect was Edgar Wood, the project commenced in nineteen o two and was finished in nineteen o six. The church is situated on Daisy Bank Rd, Victoria Park. Its architectural style is classified as Art Noeuvau. At the time, the structure was hailed as one of the best buildings in Europe. The church however was closed down in the early nineteen seventies. After that is saw some vandalism and oblivion, but eventually local authorities repurposed the building as The Edgar Wood Centre – a great way to commemorate a local architect.
Express Building – This modern looking, glass finished structure was in fact designed by architect Sir Owen Williams in nineteen thirty nine. Although renovated to an extent, the building was just as impressive in its original look. The Express is actually the sister building of a structure by the same architect Owen Williams, in Fleet St London. The Express however doesn’t feature the same Art Deco motifs as its London counterpart. In the early days, people could stand in the street and watch workers print The Daily Express inside the building where the paper’s massive printing press was located.
The Lowry – This is an example of modernistic, even futuristic architecture occupying a spot of Manchester’s redeveloped Salford Quays. Construction of the amazing theatre and gallery building was completed in the year two thousand. The building’s design is intentionally a far cry from the dark, even satanic looking industrial estates riddling Salford Quays. The building actually bears the name of a notable local man called L. S. Lowry. Situated on one side of Manchester Ship Canal, The Lowry is connected to Old Trafford Stadium and Imperial War Museum through an impressive footbridge.
First Church of Christ Scientist – This happens to be the first ever purpose built church for Christian scientists in Great Britain. Its architect was Edgar Wood, the project commenced in nineteen o two and was finished in nineteen o six. The church is situated on Daisy Bank Rd, Victoria Park. Its architectural style is classified as Art Noeuvau. At the time, the structure was hailed as one of the best buildings in Europe. The church however was closed down in the early nineteen seventies. After that is saw some vandalism and oblivion, but eventually local authorities repurposed the building as The Edgar Wood Centre – a great way to commemorate a local architect.
Express Building – This modern looking, glass finished structure was in fact designed by architect Sir Owen Williams in nineteen thirty nine. Although renovated to an extent, the building was just as impressive in its original look. The Express is actually the sister building of a structure by the same architect Owen Williams, in Fleet St London. The Express however doesn’t feature the same Art Deco motifs as its London counterpart. In the early days, people could stand in the street and watch workers print The Daily Express inside the building where the paper’s massive printing press was located.
The Lowry – This is an example of modernistic, even futuristic architecture occupying a spot of Manchester’s redeveloped Salford Quays. Construction of the amazing theatre and gallery building was completed in the year two thousand. The building’s design is intentionally a far cry from the dark, even satanic looking industrial estates riddling Salford Quays. The building actually bears the name of a notable local man called L. S. Lowry. Situated on one side of Manchester Ship Canal, The Lowry is connected to Old Trafford Stadium and Imperial War Museum through an impressive footbridge.
The Hacienda – Now this particular list entry doesn’t actually exist anymore, and its demolition landed city authorities in a bit of hot water with community and culture groups, architectural societies etc. The controversial decision to tear down the building came in two thousand two. The Hacienda, an iconic nightclub which gave the building its name, was housed there for nearly fifteen years. These days, the former spot of The Hacienda building is taken by apartment buildings controversially bearing the same name.
Urbis – The building represents one of only few successful designs of the architectural company which came up with it. The Urbis is a building which occupies the site of Cathedral Gardens where a large IRA bomb went off in the mid nineteen nineties. Although impressive from all four corners, the building doesn’t actually provide the best views as the vistas are obscured by either structural or architectural elements of the building itself, or its very own decorative frosted glass. Overall, the Urbis is a good addition to the city’s skyline and helps its designers somewhat chequered portfolio.
Imperial War Museum – This impressive and imposing aluminium clad structure is the brainchild of architect Daniel Libeskind. Situated right across the footbridge from The Lowry (look above, list entry No.3) on the banks of The Ship Canal, the structure provides amazing views of the city from its fifty five metre high tower. The Imperial War Museum was the first UK project of the architect.
Urbis – The building represents one of only few successful designs of the architectural company which came up with it. The Urbis is a building which occupies the site of Cathedral Gardens where a large IRA bomb went off in the mid nineteen nineties. Although impressive from all four corners, the building doesn’t actually provide the best views as the vistas are obscured by either structural or architectural elements of the building itself, or its very own decorative frosted glass. Overall, the Urbis is a good addition to the city’s skyline and helps its designers somewhat chequered portfolio.
Imperial War Museum – This impressive and imposing aluminium clad structure is the brainchild of architect Daniel Libeskind. Situated right across the footbridge from The Lowry (look above, list entry No.3) on the banks of The Ship Canal, the structure provides amazing views of the city from its fifty five metre high tower. The Imperial War Museum was the first UK project of the architect.
CIS Building – The CIS Building at the end of Balloon St is perhaps the only decent example of corporate architecture in Manchester from the nineteen sixties and seventies. The building design and construction was done by American company called Skidmore, Owens & Merrill. The two asymmetrically balanced towers were completed in nineteen sixty two, and remained the tallest inhabitable structure in the city for forty five years until the Beetham Tower in two thousand six.