We reviewed some of the most significant new buildings in the UK in 2023 - take a look at what we had to say

Index pic (66)

BD’s building studies delve deep into the design process of each building.

From a new gallery space for Gilbert and George to UCL’s giant new East London campus, BD brought you some of the key buildings of 2023.

We also reviewed the refurbished National Portrait Gallery and the latest project from Stirling-winning Mae Architects. 

Below are just some of the top-read building studies in BD in 2023.

Take a look for yourself.

Young V&A by De Matos Ryan and AOC

Luke Hayes

Source: Luke Hayes

The new Young V&A reimagines the former ‘Museum of Childhood’ as a joyous celebration of design and creativity, writes Ben Flatman.

UCL East’s Marshgate by Stanton Williams

1959411_stantonwilliams_ucleastmarshgate_04_huftoncrow_941683

Source: Hufton+Crow

With the biggest development in its history, UCL wanted to create a new type of university campus. Daniel Gayne reports on how the team got on.

Union Terrace Gardens, Aberdeen by LDA Design

1957059_utg_christopherswan_ldadesign_jun23_34_474664

Source: Christopher Swan

The city’s celebrated Victorian pleasure gardens have reopened after a £28.3m revamp – and decades of drama and indecision, writes Elizabeth Hopkirk.

1953159_nationalportraitgalleryforecourt_002_olivierhess_144640

Source: Oliver Hess

Britain’s most establishment art gallery has reinvented itself as a palace of inclusion. Is it a success?

St Giles Circus by Orms and Ian Chalk Architects: the rebirth of Tin Pan Alley

1947188_orms_theouternet_timsoar10_117111

Source: Tim Soar

Orms seeks to combine the heyday of West End art deco with historic conservation and careful urban stitching in a new music-centred district at the heart of London, writes Ben Flatman.

The Gilbert and George Centre by SIRS Architects

1947690_230306_gg0095_f1tomoldham_119965

Source: Tom Oldham

Building Design is shown around the eccentric London artist pair’s newly opened gallery. 

Urban Barn by Jonathan Tuckey Design

1944336_indexpic_535577

Source: Nick Dearden

Jonathan Tuckey Design has completed a subtle and seductive rebuild and extension of a house in west London, writes Ben Flatman.

Hanover: Exemplary collaboration and placemaking

1942032_lds_hanover_011_c_paulriddle_681280

Source: Paul Riddle

A new over-station development on Hanover Square shows how major infrastructure projects can catalyse the delivery of excellent placemaking, writes Ben Flatman.

Mayfield Park by Studio Egret West

U+I

Source: U+I

Manchester has unveiled its first new public park for 100 years. Thomas Lane takes a stroll though the city’s new green lung.

Bringing dignity and joy to later living: Mae’s Daventry House project sets a whole new standard

1966306_maearchitectslorenzozandri202311_v1_182841

Source: Lorenzo Zandri

The Stirling Prize-winning practice is helping to define a new era for those who want to live independently as they get older, writes Ben Flatman. 

Topics