Architecture in Lancashire has always been inspiring, from the cotton mills and factories in old Lancashire to amazing brutalist structures in modern times, Lancashire is inspiring within the sector. There are a few different examples of find architecture in Lancashire in recent years, and there are some incredible Lancashire architects working in a creative way on a daily basis. Living and working in Lancashire is an inspiring environment, and it is important to understand the heritage and the example of great architecture and design all around, especially when compared to the other, more heralded architecture in the North West in Manchester and Liverpool.
Preston Bus Station
One of the best examples of modern architecture and design in Lancashire is with the restoration of Preston Bus Station. The brutalist bus staion was renovated in recent years, with the Grade II-listed building given subtle changes that helped with the flow of the organisational side of proceedings without compromising on the quality and beauty of the structure (we know that the brutalist style isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but we love it!). The functional aspects of the renovation helped to provide a brand-new information hub for passengers to easily utilise, whilst all of the bus stands were relocated to one side of the station to make passenger flow easier to manage. The purpose and legibility of the building has been elegantly reinforced without reducing the capacity of the bus station or removing the functionality for passengers, drivers, and bus station staff.
The design continues to present itself the longer you look at the structure, with exciting new features, such as the complete decluttering of the interior of the station, and the prominence of the original intent of the design in the way the sightlines and the scale of the building. It’s clean and clear, and a design that fits the purpose of the building perfectly.
Mellor Primary School
Mellor Primary School, near Blackburn, is a design that was nominated for a plethora of awards (including a RIBA shortlist). The extension to the primary school is imaginative, bringing even more beauty and an ethereal feel to this Peak District location. The woodland setting brings natural resources to play, creating outdoor learning spaces that feel genuinely connected to nature. All of the materials used are natural and sourced within the local area, and the design was directly inspired by the Forest School ethos of the school itself. The habitat wall is the centrepiece of the project, with the children involved in creating cladding compartments that are diverse ecologically, imaginative, and create a home for bugs, bees, and birds, amongst other nature and wildlife.
Squire House (Forest of Bowland)
Squire House is another award-winning architecture project in Lancashire that is a six-bedroom property located in the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The project replaced a farmhouse and is a modern version of a traditional building. The interest and award nominations were due to the specific spatial requirements and the fact it was designed as a ‘Zero Carbon’ house. The wood chip boiler system and the solar panels are used to provide the water and heating, and the space is used with sustainability in mind. These are all fine examples of innovative, modern architecture in Lancashire.
If you are inspired by the architecture in the area, there are some fine examples of design and Lancashire architects to help get new projects off the ground. Architecture as a sector is extremely interesting, with many different design and planning considerations. Choosing the correct architects to work with will help a project run smoothly and come to a satisfying conclusion. The examples of architecture in Lancashire mentioned here, are bright, bold, innovative, and highlights the broad range of design potential in the region.