Architecture In Nottingham

an architectural guide to NOTTINGHAM’S most historically significant buildings and contemporary spaces, words by Sophia

SIMPSON

Nottingham is home to some of the most notable buildings and urban spaces - with its very own Old Market Square, for example, being one of the oldest and largest public squares in the UK.

One of the most noteworthy contemporary public buildings in Nottingham is the Nottingham Contemporary art gallery, located in the vibrant Lace Market area in the city centre. The gallery was designed by the architectural firm Caruso St John and features a striking geometric design with angular walls and a lace inspired embossing on the concrete cladding. The gallery opened in 2009 and has since become a popular attraction in the city.

Outside the city centre there is Wollaton Hall, an Elizabethan country house. Designed by Robert Smythson and built between 1580 and 1588, the hall features a distinctive architectural style with a symmetrical façade and turrets – this piece of architecture represents a zeitgeist of Nottingham’s history. Today, the building is a popular tourist attraction. It has been Nottingham’s Natural History Museum since 1926 and offers relaxing views of rolling landscape and even deers. It was also featured as Wayne Manor in Hollywood’s Batman adaptation The Dark Knight Rises in 2012.

A prominent architect in Nottingham during the late 19th century and early 20th century, was Watson Fothergill - made popular for his distinctive Gothic Revival, Victorian, and Arts and Crafts style. His buildings are characterised by ornate stone carvings, pointed arches, and intricate brickwork. Some of his most praised works in Nottingham include the Queen’s Chambers and multiple houses in the Park estate – these are still admired today and set the city centre’s architectural tone.

Old Market Square is the centre of the public realm in Nottingham, surrounded by historic buildings and shops. The square has been a hub of activity in the city since mediaeval times and has been the site of many significant events, including public exhibitions and the goose fair. The buildings surrounding the square include the Council House (1929), the Exchange Arcade (1929), and the former Nottingham Guildhall (1769). The square has been repeatedly refurbished with the current design completed by architects Gustafson Porter + Bowman in 2007, featuring a dynamic layout and fountains. The design provides flexible space for the Christmas market and installations during the summer – which are much adored by locals and visitors.

Jubilee Campus is a relatively new campus for the University of Nottingham, located just outside the city centre and a short distance from University Park. The architecture injects a sense of innovation and vibrancy to the campus - with both its buildings and landscaping. Hopkins Architects’ wood-clad contribution to the campus is particularly notable for its use of passive solar and wind energy. The campus opened in 1999 and has won several awards for its design: including the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Journal Sustainability Award.

Nottingham Trent’s Newton is a modernist, art-deco building located on Goldsmith Street and was designed by the architectural firm Howitt and Sayer. The building was constructed in 1958 and features a distinctive geometric façade with a pattern of recessed windows. It is a flagship building for Nottingham Trent University.

The Arkwright Building is a historic building connected to the Newton building through a Hopkins Architects’ extension built between 20068. Built in 1877-81, the building originally served as the University College Nottingham, city library, and natural history museum. Interestingly, Professor Frederic Stanley Kipping conducted ground-breaking research on silicone polymers there, which led to a multi billion-pound industry!

Nottingham’s diverse architecture showcases centuries of design and ingenuity. From mediaeval structures to contemporary designs, which include the Nottingham Contemporary art gallery, Wollaton Hall, Watson Fothergill’s Gothic Revival buildings, Old Market Square, Jubilee Campus, Nottingham Trent Newton, and the Arkwright Building. Nottingham’s architecture is a testament to the city’s history.