Bristol Architecture - Part 2

Here are a few more nice examples of concrete architecture in Bristol that have caught my eye. 

The Shot Tower (or the Sheldon Bush and Patent Shot Company Limited Shot Tower) is probably one of Bristol's most distinctive structures. Situated just off Passage Street it is one of very few shot towers still in existence today.

The Shot Tower, Bristol

This tower dates from around 1969, replacing the original tower which stood on the same site. Bristol is in fact the birthplace of this method of lead shot manufacture. The process was invented by William Watts in the latter part of the 18th century which may be one of the reasons this particular version is now grade 2 listed (although it is now part of an office complex). For those who are interested, there is lots more info readily available on the internet about this and other towers (and shot manufacture in general). Otherwise, just enjoy looking at this fabulous construction.

The 12-sided top part of the tower.

Another striking building is the office block at 1 Redcliffe Street. Although not a cube, it has a satisfying cube-like appearance from some vantage points, slightly rounded window tops to offset the squareness of the structure and a wonderful, open colonnade running around the top level.

1 Redcliffe Street, Bristol

Another number 1. This time, 1 Temple Way which I think is still the home of The Bristol Evening Post. This is a lovely 1970s construction of brick, concrete and glass, full of visual interest with satisfying forms, curves, angles and textures.

1 Temple Way, Bristol

I have found an interesting piece about the building on another blog which goes into more detail and documents it's partial demolition a few years ago. 

http://eugenebyrne.wordpress.com/2010/11/30/half-of-evening-post-building-to-be-demolished/

Concrete Pillar.

I love the textures and patterns left behind when the concrete has set and the boards have been removed. It is an amazing material.

Concrete pillar (detail).

One last photo for now. Norfolk House, near the fire station. It was a nice day and the combination of the sun hitting the pale concrete wall with the satisfyingly 1970s black lettering along the bottom right hand edge really caught my eye.

Norfolk House, Bristol.