Made to be Brutal

Barbican Shop unveiled its new interiors collection – a collaboration with MADE inspired by the iconic design of the Barbican Estate.

WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Felix Speller

We’re big fans of Brutalism at VISI, so when we heard that MADE – a UK-based, design-led homeware brand whose aim is to make high-end design accessible – was launching a new interiors collection with the Barbican, we knew it was going to be something special.

For those who aren’t in the know, the Barbican is arguably one of Britain’s finest examples of Brutalist architecture. Opened in 1982, the vast multi-use complex comprises a major arts and conference centre (the Barbican Centre) and a residential estate with its own network of walkways, gardens, schools and even a library.

Rooted in design history, yet focused on modern living, the MADE x Barbican collection reinterprets the interiors and features of the iconic estate for today’s lifestyles.

Throughout the design process, MADE’s in-house designers worked closely with the team at the Barbican, undertaking extensive research into the estate’s rich architectural and cultural history. Through a deeper study of the archival objects, the team discovered Miriam Howitt’s interior approach to furnishing the original show flats, which shaped the project’s direction.

The result is a 23-piece collection of furniture, lighting, textiles and accessories that channels a design language defined by bold geometric forms, modular layouts, grid structures and curved forms. Think sculptural silhouettes, layered materials and warm neutral hues, alongside moss greens, ochres and deep rusts. You’ll also find stained ash, chrome accents, woven fabrics and deep-pile textures.

The final designs reimagine products, graphics, and architectural details through a new lens, distilling them into a cohesive collection that captures the Barbican’s iconic essence while remaining entirely liveable. made.com | shop.barbican.org.uk

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