Some 40 years ago, the Pompidou Centre opened in Paris. At the time it was recognised as perhaps the most radical cultural piece of architecture in the world. It represented democracy, a state of openness and gave faith in the future. Some people considered it as an oil refinery rather than a centre, but within months it became Paris’ most visited attraction.

The architects of the project were determined to make new ‘high-tech’ architecture where the audience determined the content. At the time it was designed to be covered in multimedia screens, showcasing content to the plaza and city. The space on the outside was considered as much part of the building as the inside. This never happened, yet the building remains one of the most striking in the city.

A decade earlier, working with some of the youthful architects, the Greater London Council formed the Hayward Gallery. It was criticised and named a concrete monstrosity. Today such architecture based on Brutalism is revered; concrete is a popular aesthetic among social media. The concrete features of South Bank have become indispensible in London life.

London eventually fell in love with modernism. The Trellick Tower is now one of the most desirable high-rises in the city, and other buildings such as the Barbican are now regarded as valuable heritage properties. But is mustn’t be forgotten that they were the vanguard of contemporary architecture which touched upon a utopian future. What will become of London’s architecture, when comparing it to the 1960s and 1970s?

Although the concrete sea along the South Bank was deeply unpopular at the time it was first erected, it is now appreciated more. There isn’t near enough radical architecture around today. Instead designers and architects have developed into polite modernism. This makes the designs more likely to get planning permission.

In order for real radical architecture to return fully, authorities need to have an intervention with the private sector. The Pompidou Centre is a prime example of where this intervention worked to achieve something special.

A return to radical designs in London could be fantastic but it remains to be seen whether it will happen. At Coffey Architects we are passionate about pushing the boundaries of design. This has helped us to become an architect London based clients love working with to explore their vision.