The Barbican study
The Barbican Estate is a unique and iconic residential complex located in the heart of London. Known for its Brutalist architecture, the Barbican was designed in the post-war era to provide high-density housing while fostering a sense of community and cultural space. The estate features a maze of interconnected walkways, gardens, and residential blocks, making it both a functional urban environment and a highly regarded architectural landmark. Its diverse spaces are home to a number of different disciples within the estate itself.
This project aimed to improve the navigation experience for residents of the Barbican Estate by first documenting the different disciples within the estate then following with creating customized routes that cater to the needs of its diverse community. This project focuses on allocating specific routes for different residents, considering factors such as access points, preferences for scenic or quicker routes, and ease of mobility for individuals with specific needs (e.g., families with children, elderly residents, or those with mobility impairments).
The barbican always fascinated me with its ability to foster the needs of almost all of its residence within the estate itself. Our group navigated the barbican while seeking out each and every facility that it hosts.
What’s inside the Barbican?
Interior
Art gallery
Offices
Residential Apartments
Cafe
Theater
Cinema
Library
Restaurant
Bar
Conservatory
Gift Shop
Hair Studio
Meditation/Religious Centers
Exterior
Basketball court
Football pitch
Playground
Ponds
Outdoor seating
Walkways
Gardens/parks
Ping Pong tables
Parking Garages
Nearby
Hospital
Doctor’s Office
Dental Office
Children’s Daycare
Girl’s School
Church
Restaurants
Cafes
Bars
Grocery Stores
Banks
Gym
Underground station
Complied maps that document different users navigation throughout the day.
Sarah
Sarah starts her day in her Barbican flat, just a short walk from Barbican Underground Station. Before heading to work, she grabs a coffee from Dose, a small coffee shop around the corner at 70 Long Lane. Afterward, she walks to Barbican Station and takes the Underground to her office.
Thompsons
The Thompsons start their day in their Barbican flat. The kids get ready for school at Charterhouse Square School, while the parents prepare breakfast. Once the kids head out, the parents go to Barbican Kitchen for a meeting. Afterward, they take a walk with the baby in the Barbican Conservatory.
After work and school, the family meets up for dinner at Barbican Kitchen, a family-friendly spot in the area.
John
John starts his day in his Barbican apartment with a cup of tea. He then heads to Caravan Exmouth Market, a nearby cafe known for its seasonal fare and in-house coffee roasting, to work for a few hours. During lunch, John takes a break and strolls through the Barbican Conservatory, a lush indoor garden within the Barbican Centre.
Margaret
Margaret starts her day in her Barbican flat with a cup of herbal tea. She enjoys a morning walk through Beech Gardens, a serene space within the Barbican Estate featuring a variety of perennials, grasses, and bulbs that provide vibrant colors throughout the year.
Later, she attends a doctors appointment at The Neaman Practice
late in the evening, Margaret participates in a local social event and considers meeting friends at one of the nearby bars, such as the Foyer Bars and Cafe within the Barbican Centre, which offers a selection of drinks and snacks throughout the day and evening.
