Matt

Can you tell me about yourself?

We've both lived in London all our adult lives, it's certainly home, although not always homely.  The Barbican is our modernist oasis.

How long have you lived on the Estate?

3 years

What is your occupation?

Painter and Design Director / Costume Designer

What drew you to move to the Barbican?

We've been independently drawn to the Barbican for many years, enjoying it both culturally and architecturally.

We were just at the start of our search for an apartment when we came to view a recently available 'type 20'. It immediately felt right and we put put down a deposit the next day.  

Your favourite feature of Barbican flats?

Ergonomic use of space and the light.

How have you found it living in the barbican estate?

It's a privilege to be here.  It's more than just the architecture, the concrete and the notoriety, it's a community.  There are so many intangibles that make living here unique, and positive. 

Rebecca & Patricio

Can you tell me about yourself?

Rebecca was born and bred in Yorkshire and Patricio is from Buenos Aires. We both moved to London seven years ago and met here through friends (in a Patisserie Valerie)

What is your Occupation?

Patricio is a Finance Director at the Economist and Rebecca is about to start a new role as Head of Cancer Intelligence at Cancer Research UK. 

What drew you to move to the Barbican?

Patricio once described it as "the most un-London place in London"... we have always been drawn to it then one day we realised people lived here... then we realised that we could live here. It's a dream come true.

How long have you lived on the estate?

Just over two years.

Your favourite feature of Barbican flats?

The kitchen: the hatch to the living room, the sliding glass cupboard doors, the four hobs in a row (that inspired a 1970s food blog of the same name) - it looks both modern and retro at the same time. The full length windows and the light that floods the flat are also up there.

How have you found it living in the barbican estate?

It's a peaceful sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the city - sometimes at the weekend, it's so quiet, we think we must be the only people left on the estate. We have our privacy but we've also met some lovely people. And we enjoy all the Arts Centre entertainment on our doorstep.

James Webb

Can you tell me about yourself?

I was born in the UK but moved to Australia as a teenager with his family. I met my wife in Amsterdam 12 years ago and we moved to London at the end of 2011.

What is your occupation?

I am an Architect.

What drew you to move to the Barbican?

I used to visit London every year to see the Serpentine pavilion, I said that if i ever moved to London it would be to the Barbican. Years later when I  decided to leave Amsterdam for London I followed that up.

How long have you lived on the estate?

We had a Studio flat in Bryer Court for 3.5 years and moved to a classic type 20 apartment in Speed House one year ago.

What is your favourite feature of the Barbican flats?

We love so many things about it: 

Apartment: The full height glazing, balcony - perfect for summer evening dinners (weather dependant), generous sized apartments, high quality design throughout, the timber work, kitchen design, sound insulation. 

Barbican Estate: Sheer scale of the project, the communal gardens, the Arts Centre, the fact that you are in Central London and it is so peaceful. 

How have you found it living in the barbican estate?

We could not imagine living anywhere else in London. It is an amazing environment, a constant joy, and not to get too heavy it is a reminder of when planners and architects had vision and the power to implement them.