Architecture

Al Andaluz is an area where many academic advances have been made as to how cultures interacted, what life was actually like. Who built the Alhambra? [1250] Where were they from?  The answer is they were local. The invasion of Spain from Morroco had happened 500 years before – in 711 – by a combined islamic/jewish army.  Islam had been European for half a millenium before the Alhambra was built. The ruling family came, originally, from Yemen which converted to Judaism in 600. The land they conquered was ruled by Christian Visigoths. When we consider the European tradition of architecture, our cultures are deeply intertwined. Pictured here a ceiling representing heaven at the Alhambra C13-14, and the Dome of the Cordova Mosque c. 960.

Upcoming lectures by Marcus Beale

• Cambridge University – Architects Scope of service and fees – 5 October 2023
• Nottingham University – Architects Scope of service and fees – 15 November 2023
• Nottingham University – Conservation Legislation and Heritage Assessment – 6 December 2023
• Stanton Williams – Sound, Music, Architecture – CPD – 18 January 2024

This is a detail of the staircase of a new house in Wimbledon.

Landscape will be completed in Spring 2023 and we will post some pics after that.

Detail of stair at new house in Wimbledon

Works continue on the refurbishment of some 21st Century heritage, the Garden Hall at St Mary’s Church by Terry Pawson Architects, an exquisite piece of minimalism. The work includes introducing new acoustic wall panelling in the hall, upgrading the lighting and replacing a large sliding glass door. The original building was completed in 2003. MBA consulted with TPA, they are long friends, to ensure that the alterations respect the original designers intentions.

[Note by Marcus: Terry Pawson is an important architect whose opera house in Linz is a masterpiece of tenacity and geometry. His buildings are exquisitely proportioned and thoroughly composed. He was resident in Wimbledon for some decades where he built some important smaller projects including a house for himself at Arthur Road.]

View to city from Beulah Vista Care Home

Beulah Vista care home opened on 14 May 2022. A new build care home of 59 bedrooms, arranged around the courtyard garden, offering a marvellous standard of care with individual room layouts, variable room sizes, generous breakout spaces and themed corridors. The building, situated on the crest of Norwood Hill commands fabulous views over the city. The Mayor of Croydon attended the opening.

Front view of the care home on its opening day 14 May 2022