Construction Update: Baltimore Tower / May 10, 2016 by Alex Upton

Development: Baltimore Wharf Tower
Architect: Skidmore Owings & Merrill (SOM)
Location: Isle of Dogs, Canary Wharf
Height: 150m (44fl)

This set of architectural photographs document the construction progress at Baltimore Tower in Canary Wharf. With just a few more floors of glazing to go the building is nearing external completion. The curvature of the elliptical façade makes for some really nice formal compositions especially on a sunny day. Designed by SOM architects this residential complex is just one of many new skyscrapers to join the growing Canary Wharf skyline.

Baltimore Tower - London - Photography: Copyright © Alex Upton — Baltimore Tower - London - Photography: Copyright © Alex Upton

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: Novotel Canary Wharf / May 8, 2016 by Alex Upton

Development: Novotel Canary Wharf
Architect: Leach Rhodes Walker Architects
Location: Marsh Wall, Canary Wharf
Height: 124m (39fl)

Photographs from the 4th May documenting the construction of the UK's tallest hotel situated in Canary Wharf. The Novotel building designed by Leach Rhodes Walker Architects is nearing external completion with just the internal fit out left to complete, the opening date is set for Autumn 2016.

This building is just one of many new towers to rise in the Canary Wharf area over the next couple of years, with many others just starting to break ground. With so much activity its becoming hard to keep track of all the developments, but with all this activity it it makes for some great photographic opportunities, the land reclamation taking place around Wood Wharf is particularly interesting to observe if you have chance to make it down there.

Project Update: Seven Kings Primary School / May 7, 2016 by Alex Upton

Seven Kings Primary School - Photography: Copyright © Alex Upton

Architectural photographs I took detailing the external cladding installation above the entrance to Seven Kings Primary School in east London have been recently added to my portfolio. The project commissioned by Taylor Maxwell was to detail the metal cladding strips that run vertically down the buildings facade. Although only covering a small area of the building they make for some really interesting compositions.

Photo Update: St. George Wharf Tower / May 5, 2016 by Alex Upton

Development: St. George Wharf Tower
Architect: Broadway Malyan
Location: Vauxhall, London
Height: 181m (50fl)

St. George Wharf Tower in Vauxhall was looking particularity nice in the sun the other day with the clouds reflecting of its façade, here are a few photographs i managed to capture before it was engulfed by them. Further images of the tower can be found on my Flickr page.

Construction Update: The Corniche / May 4, 2016 by Alex Upton

Development: The Corniche
Architect: Foster & Partners
Location: Lambeth , London
Height: 89m/80m/44m (27fl/24fl/13fl)

This residential development by Fosters & Partners is situated adjacent to The Merano Residences on the Thames River Bank - doucumented in the previous post. There are a number of future developments in the pipeline along this stretch of the river, with one currently at the demolition stage and the other awaiting planning approval.

Construction Update: Merano Residences / May 3, 2016 by Alex Upton

Development: Merano Residences
Architect: Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners
Location: Albert Embankment, London
Height 85m (29fl)

Construction update from 3rd June 2016. This series of photographs document the balcony installation taking place on the Merano development - an apparent complex on the Thames River front designed by Richard Rogers.

Grand Central External Images / May 2, 2016 by Alex Upton

Grand Central Station Signage - Photography: Copyright © Alex Upton

Recently updated to my portfolio are a selection photographs documenting the external cladding installed on the lower portion of Birmingham’s Grand Central Station and the adjoining John Lewis retail development. Taylor Maxwell once again commissioned me to focus on the materials they supplied throughout the building with a focus on the curved granite walls.

The stainless steel cladding which adorns the upper portion of the structure is hard not focus upon when photographing the building as its undulating surface distorts the surrounding architecture creating myriad opportunities for warped images of the city and its inhabitants. As of this moment construction is ongoing with work still taking place on the platforms and around the perimeter of the building. Having access to observe and document such a large scale project is incredibly insightful, especially when it comes to understanding both the logistic and engineering difficulties which had to be overcome in order to keep the station operating, with this in mind I have an even greater appreciation for both the building and those whom worked on it. Also included in this set of photos are images from the grand opening of phase one.

Grand Central Station Birmingham / April 30, 2016 by Alex Upton

Grand Central Station Platform - Photography: Copyright © Alex Upton

I was recently commission by Taylor Maxwell to photograph both their internal and external cladding instillations at the recently renovated Grand Central Station in Birmingham - formerly New Street Station. I was especially excited to take on this project and return to the city I grew up in and see for myself the transformation that had taken place. With memories of the old, dreary concourse still stubbornly set in my mind I was pleasantly surprised upon my arrival to see how the once claustrophobic space had been expanded into such bright, spacious accommodating area. I can now enthusiastically recommend anyone to travel to Birmingham safe in the knowledge their first impression of the city will no longer be marred by its dystopian infrastructure.

If you head over to my portfolio you can see a small selection of the internal photographs I captured of the cladding installation on and around the platform area. Work is still ongoing and unfortunately due to strict health and safety regulations tripods weren't allowed on the platforms so you will have to forgo any ghostly shots of trains sweeping through the station. The external shots are to soon follow.