The Leadenhall Building, London - The importance of attention to detail when making a building.
Should we be focusing on the smallest details, or is there a valid reason to design things to the best of their ability?
"When you're a carpenter making a beautiful chest of drawers, you're not going to use a piece of plywood on the back, even though it faces the wall and nobody will ever see it. You'll know it's there, so you're going to use a beautiful piece of wood on the back. For you to sleep well at night, the aesthetic, the quality, has to be carried all the way through"
Steve Jobs, Co-founder of Apple Inc.
How often do you pay attention to the smallest details as you navigate through the city or a building? Chances are, not very often.
In my experience as an architect, I have developed a keen eye for the minutest details during the design process. From door handles to window sills, every aspect of a building's design is meticulously considered. While most people may overlook these details, creatives like myself often dedicate a significant amount of time to perfecting them.
Several years ago, I had the privilege of teaching a group of postgraduate architecture students alongside Jack Evans-Newton, Adeline Wee, and Bridget Munro from RSHP, the renowned architect practice behind numerous award winning building across the globe, including the Pompidou Centre in Paris and Madrid Barajas Airport. Their generosity in sharing their expertise and providing access to their office space for teaching purposes was truly invaluable. This collaboration offered students a unique insight into the workings of a world-renowned architectural practice.
During this time, I had the opportunity to visit RSHP's office located in The Leadenhall Building, also known as The Cheese-grater building, in the heart of The City of London. Access to such a prime commercial building is rare, with stringent security measures in place reminiscent of a bank vault rather than an architectural office.
However, despite this minor inconvenience, the experience of riding the elevator offers one of the most spectacular views of London in motion. The elevator is designed based on the Hi-Tech concept, with external services such as elevators and vents located on the outside of the building. Riding in one of the glass external elevators allows you to ascend to the floor you are visiting while enjoying a unique perspective of the city.
Observing London from this vantage point is truly exceptional and provides a one-of-a-kind experience. During my first visit, I couldn't help but notice that the elevator is completely open, allowing you to see the entire elevator shaft within the building. This feature may seem insignificant, but witnessing yourself being elevated in the lift carriage, defying gravity, and experiencing an immersive view as you reach your destination is truly special.
On my subsequent visit, I made sure to bring my camera to capture this unique experience. I also noticed the attention to detail given to the internal structure of the exposed elevator shaft. The architects could have opted for efficiency by painting all elements the same colour or using basic construction to save costs. However, it is evident that they went to great lengths to consider every element and how they would come together.
I am intrigued by the thought of how many individuals visiting this building will take notice of the intricate details as they ride the elevator. Have they considered that these elements have been meticulously crafted to ensure their satisfaction? This situation brings to mind a story about the late co-founder of Apple Inc., Steve Jobs. In the 1980s, while overseeing the design of the first Macintosh computer, Jobs instructed his team to ensure that every element within the original all-in-one Macintosh was impeccably designed, even if no one would ever open the back of the computer. He famously stated,
"When you're a carpenter making a beautiful chest of drawers, you're not going to use a piece of plywood on the back, even though it faces the wall and nobody will ever see it. You'll know it's there, so you're going to use a beautiful piece of wood on the back. For you to sleep well at night, the aesthetic, the quality, has to be carried all the way through."
Perhaps we should all consider adopting Steve Jobs' design philosophy when it comes to every simple object within our buildings, neighbourhoods, and cities. Let us strive for excellence in every detail, even those that may go unnoticed by the casual observer.
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My photographs are published on Instagram and online. Additionally, I am available for private commissions and collaborations with other organisations. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me for further inquiries or opportunities.