Manchester Modernist Society launches buildings map

An interactive map of Manchester's landmark modernist buildings has been launched today as part of this year's Manchester Architecture and Design Festival.

The map, which has been produced by Manchester Modernist Society and Handforth-based architects Taylor Young and is on public display in Piccadilly Gardens, allows visitors to navigate their way through the city to discover four walking routes linking 70 landmark 20th century buildings.

The four themes highlight landmarks such as:

  • Bold – Toastrack, Kendals
  • Beautiful – Midland Bank, King Street, Central Library
  • Beleaguered – Odeon, Oxford Road, Manchester House
  • Brutal – Piccadilly Tower, City Tower, Mancunian Way

Maureen Ward, from Manchester Modernist Society, said: "20th century buildings are a key part of the city's rich architectural history and deserve to be recognised as such. They inhabit the spaces between the city's Victorian glory and the pastiche and bombast of post-millennium development."

"These buildings are too often overlooked and our map also identifies a number of buildings which have already been lost to the city and a number which are in grave danger of being lost."

"Our map shines a spotlight on to them and we hope that people will use it as a starting point to launch their own investigations into this wonderfully rich and productive part of the city's original modern history."

Lesley Gleave, from Taylor Young, added: "2010 marks the 150th anniversary of Taylor Young and we decided that to ensure that this landmark in the company's history is appropriately marked by sponsoring and hosting a number of events throughout the year.

The map forms the centrepiece of a free public exhibition held in the RIBA Architruck in Piccadilly Gardens from today until Friday (14 May) at 9am-5pm daily.

The map then moves on to the FutureEverything exhibition at The Hive in Newton Street between 12-23 May.

Your Comments

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What a great idea. 100 King Street is a beautiful building and it’s such a shame it is vacant

By modernist

20th Century Buildings are often neglected in favour of their Victorian cousins or bright new interlopers – its so good to see these buildings being celebrated.

By Johnny H.

The map is now situated at the hive – http://www.thehivemanchester.co.uk/ come down see it if you can, thanks!

By Oliver Butler

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