Merchants Quay Leeds

Choosing a building for my first post [discounting my rather long winded introduction] has been difficult. My initial though was obviously to pick something that would show off my architectural taste and impress anyone reading: to go for something famous or obscure, iconic or controversial, historic or modern. In the end this proved too daunting, and seeing as I don't expect anyone to read this it doesn't really matter!

Merchants Quay in Leeds [Stephenson Bell Architects] is a really good example of quality urban architecture. Completed 2001 its now around 11 years old and unlike many of its surrounding younger apartment blocks its wearing very well. This is in no small part due to the material choice and quality of design and finish which are simple and respond to the surrounding context, not attempting to be over ambitious which often results in cheap looking buildings where most of the driving concepts are compromised by cost saving. Keeping the design simple and avoiding complicating the building with excessive and costly architectural 'gestures' they evidently invested time and money into the detailing, materiality and finishes of the building giving it a longevity.

Many of the developments in Leeds are an amalgamation of glazing, render and composite panels which I guess originally were to down to advancements in technology and used to contrast the traditional brick and stone of Leeds thus standing out and better defining themselves as modern. Many of these, however, already look tired and in need of repair and maintenance to replace dented panels and remove water markings from poorly designed detailing; again showing the importance and long-term value of investing in the basic architectural qualities of a building.

The traditional choice of brick at Merchants Quay allows it to sit comfortably within its surroundings with the differing levels and introduction of additional materials [stone, galvanised steel and zinc] breaking up the mass of quite a large building into a series of masses more suited to the areas architecture. 

In all, this is a prime example of how to get the basics right.

A few links: Stephenson Bell Architects [www.stephenson-bell.com], though has since changed to [www.rogerstephenson-architects.com] both links end up in the same place. Also maybe look at [www.landscapeprojects.co.uk/merchants-quay/].