Preventing an eyesore

Battersea Power Station, one of London's most iconic landmarks, did not enter the world happily. In the late 1920s, the London Power Company faced significant public opposition to the construction of yet another industrial power station in the heart of the Capital. Concerns ranged from public health risks to fears that the structure would form an unsightly addition to the cityscape. To address these anxieties, the company brought in Giles Gilbert Scott, already well-regarded for his design of the Liverpool Cathedral and his expertise in blending functionality with beauty. Scott’s involvement in designing the exterior played a pivotal role in transforming the power station from a potential eyesore into a celebrated example of industrial design.

Scott’s role was to enhance the building’s exterior, and his work was nothing short of transformative. The basic structure of Battersea Power Station had already been laid out by the engineers, with its long rectangular form and four corner chimneys. However, Scott’s genius was in the details- his use of Art Deco motifs endowed the building with its distinctive and funcitonal sense of stylistic beauty.

The building

The most striking feature of Scott's design is the ornate brickwork. Utilising vertical striations, Scott accentuated the height of the building, creating a visual link between the towering chimneys and the ground below. These vertical lines, combined with an economic approach to fenestration, draws the eye upwards, reinforcing the sense of the building’s monumental scale. The slender windows on either side of the towers also contribute to this effect, one of modernity and industrial elegance.

Inside the station, the interiors were designed by Halliday and Agate who carried the exterior inside with stylised fluted pillars, coffered ceilings, and a characteristic blend of industrial functionality and aesthetic sophistication. This combination provided a visually appealing work environment for those who would come to work in the station.

The station was constructed in two phases. Station A was completed in 1935 and Station B followed after World War II. The power station not only became the tallest building in London at the time but also the city’s first major architectural landmark since the construction of Tower Bridge in 1894.

Scott's design for Battersea Power Station set a precedent for integrating industrial buildings into the urban fabric without compromising on aesthetic values. His work demonstrated that even the most functional structures could be transformed into cultural landmarks through thoughtful design. Today, Battersea Power Station stands as a testament to Scott’s architectural vision, a symbol of London's industrial past and its ability to adapt to modern needs.