Exploring the Architectural Brilliance of the Blavatnik Building at Tate Modern
London's skyline is a tapestry of architectural wonders, each telling its own story of the city’s rich history and contemporary evolution. Among these landmarks, the Blavatnik Building at Tate Modern stands out as a testament to modern brutalist design, blending raw concrete aesthetics with innovative spatial concepts. I spent an afternoon recently honing my architectural photography skills on this stunning piece of architecture.
Opened in 2016, this extension to the former Bankside Power Station is a striking addition to the Tate Modern complex, redefining the museum-going experience. The Blavatnik Building, designed by the renowned Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, is an audacious statement of modern architecture. Rising ten storeys high, the structure is characterised by its twisting, pyramidal form, which adds a dynamic element to the London skyline. The building’s façade, composed of perforated brickwork, is both a nod to the industrial heritage of the site and a bold departure from traditional architectural forms.
The choice of materials is central to the building’s brutalist identity. The use of brick, a material deeply embedded in the history of the Bankside area, creates a visual and textural continuity with the original power station. However, Herzog & de Meuron’s innovative application of brick in a perforated lattice pattern introduces a modern twist, allowing natural light to filter into the interior spaces in a play of shadows and light.
Stepping inside the Blavatnik Building, visitors are greeted with an interior that is both austere and inviting. The use of raw concrete, a hallmark of brutalist architecture, is prevalent throughout, from the expansive concrete staircases to the exposed ceilings and columns. This raw materiality is juxtaposed with polished wood and glass, creating a harmonious balance between brutalism’s ruggedness and modernity’s sleekness.
One of the building’s most captivating features is the ‘Switch House’—a sweeping, spiral staircase that connects the various levels. This sculptural element is not just functional but also an artwork in itself, inviting visitors to explore the building's verticality. The staircase's concrete curves are softened by the light filtering through the perforated brick façade, creating an ever-changing interplay of light and shadow.
The Blavatnik Building has significantly expanded Tate Modern's exhibition space, allowing for a broader and more diverse range of artworks and installations. The top floors offer panoramic views of London, providing a unique perspective on the city. These viewing galleries are a testament to the building’s integration with its urban surroundings, blurring the boundaries between the museum and the city.
Moreover, the building’s design promotes accessibility and fluidity, with open-plan galleries and flexible spaces that can be adapted for various exhibitions and events. This flexibility is a key aspect of modern museum design, catering to the evolving nature of contemporary art and its myriad forms of expression.
The Blavatnik Building at Tate Modern is more than just an architectural marvel; it is a symbol of the dynamic interplay between past and present, tradition and innovation. Its brutalist design, characterised by raw concrete and perforated brick, creates a bold and inspiring space that challenges conventional notions of what a museum can be. As it continues to attract visitors from around the world, the Blavatnik Building stands as a beacon of modern architectural brilliance, celebrating the relentless creativity and diversity of contemporary art.
