The Barbican in London is a notable example of brutalist architecture, known for its sprawling complex of concrete towers, cultural venues, and landscaped public spaces. For Luke Kaluzny and his husband, who moved there in mid-2025, the Barbican is both an architectural landmark and a personal home. Brutalist architecture is recognized for its raw concrete and geometric forms, and it has gained renewed appreciation, with buildings once deemed harsh being preserved and celebrated.
Changing public attitudes have been influenced by cultural interest, sustainability goals, and the reevaluation of postwar design. Younger generations have contributed to this revival, with social media and design trends reshaping brutalism’s raw materials and bold forms as expressive and relevant to contemporary architectural priorities. Hannah Simonson, a senior cultural resources planner at Page & Turnbull, highlighted that social media platforms offer new perspectives on brutalism, attracting fresh attention to the architecture.
Kaluzny, who shares his life at the Barbican via Instagram, resides in an apartment on the estate’s south side. The Barbican, designed by Chamberlin, Powell, and Bon, was completed in 1982. Kaluzny’s interest in modernist housing and utopian urban design initially connected him to the Barbican. During research on Le Corbusier’s Unité d’Habitation in Marseille, he visited London to see the Barbican firsthand, which led to meeting his husband. When deciding where to settle, the couple prioritized architectural significance. After evaluating several places, they felt an immediate connection to their Barbican home.
Life at an Architectural Landmark
Kaluzny described life at the Barbican as “very convenient.” The estate offers a wide array of amenities, including cultural institutions, theaters, galleries, shops, cafés, and a library. A unique feature of the estate is its car-free design. Parking is underground, allowing pedestrian-friendly spaces above. This layout enables long walks without traffic, reducing noise and pollution.
Residents have access to private green areas with a “magic key.” Kaluzny enjoys the “igloos,” circular brick pods connected by a walkway, providing quiet reading or meeting spaces. While design and amenities are central to Barbican life, community is the estate’s most important feature. Kaluzny noted a diverse group of residents spanning ages and professions, all sharing a commitment to the Barbican’s values. This shared appreciation fosters an atmosphere defined by architecture and community.
Balancing City and Serenity
Kaluzny stated his enthusiasm for the Barbican stems from his upbringing. Raised in remote Washington state, he found beauty yet isolation there. He dreamed of being close to others. Having lived in major cities, the Barbican offers the balance he sought—a place with a sense of expansiveness and connection.
The Barbican was built on land damaged during World War II, reflecting rebuilding ambition. Historical layers add a sense of continuity. Roman wall sections run through the estate, and the St. Giles-without-Cripplegate church has existed for nearly 1,000 years.
Do you have an architecture or design-related story to share? Contact us via [email protected] for a chance to be featured by Newsweek.