Barbican YMCA, London - Concrete Brutalism, Brutalist Architecture Model: Mini 046

Model 046_Barbican YMCA, London – Concrete Brutalism, Brutalist Architecture Model: Mini
Hand-cast in fine concrete. Shaped by memory.

Some towers hold whole chapters of city life. Blake Tower, once known as the Barbican YMCA, was completed in 1968 as part of the Barbican Estate. Designed by Chamberlin, Powell and Bon, it originally housed young professionals and visitors before being converted into residential apartments in recent years. With its crisp concrete frame and vertical rhythm, it stands beside the Barbican’s three taller towers as part of one of London’s most celebrated architectural ensembles.

This model focuses on its strong profile. The vertical bays, the depth of the windows, and the balance of height and solidity were carefully translated into a smaller scale. I wanted the cast to carry the same clarity that makes the tower distinct among the Barbican’s forms.

A small cast of one of the estate’s most intriguing towers.

Features
• Solid cast concrete, individually hand-poured
• 9cm high, 7cm wide, 3cm deep (approx)
• Laser-etched cork base with building name
• Comes gift-boxed for the perfect concrete gift
• Designed, modelled, and finished in the UK

Made for those who lived there, stayed there, or admire the Barbican as one of the great modernist achievements. This model is a keepsake of a tower that has evolved with the city while remaining rooted in its original vision.

*****15% off when you order two or more models*****

Building Information

Location: Barbican Estate, London, UK
Architect: Chamberlin, Powell and Bon
Completed: 1968
Status: Residential apartments (formerly YMCA hostel)
Brief Overview:
Blake Tower was originally built as the Barbican YMCA, providing accommodation as part of the Barbican Estate. Its concrete structure and vertical emphasis mark it as part of the estate’s architectural language, while its adaptive reuse into residential housing shows the flexibility of Brutalist design. It stands as a companion to the estate’s three landmark towers, forming part of London’s most ambitious post-war development.



Please note:
My concrete sculptures are individually hand cast in solid concrete. This means that each piece will have distinctive markings and minor blemishes due to air bubbles in the concrete. This is a natural part of the material and will mean that no two pieces are ever exactly the same.

Shipping:
I aim to make and ship your artwork within 30 days. If you require your order by a specific date before this please let me know.