MI6 Headquarters - London, UK



Architect
Terry Farrell
Date Built
Completed 1992
Location
Albert Embankment near Vauxhall Bridge
Description
Also known as the SIS Building (Secret Intelligence Service), this building occupies a position on the South Bank of the Thames beside Vauxhall Bridge.  Wikipedia claims that it has been called "Legoland" and "Babylon-on-Thames". 



Its architect, Terry Farrell, says of the building that, "Farrells chose to make a new powerful building that contributed to the area. The project draws inspiration from buildings such as Bankside and Battersea power stations - the vast scale and dramatic form of the buildings heroically addressing the river and opposite bank. At Vauxhall Cross the solid central element is flanked on either side by tiered glazed elements composed to create a massive yet articulated building form. The contrast between the pale concrete cladding and the darker wall glazing emphasises the layered nature of the composition. The three – dimensional qualities of the building are enhanced by deep-set windows and openings and by a series of balconies which face the river."









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