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Broadcasting House
While not as stately and regal as the BBC's old digs at Bush House, Broadcasting House is still far from a disappointment. Reflecting the height of Art Deco architecture, it is something of a parody of itself with its transmission towers and wires. The broad sweep of Portland stone running along Portland Place gives an impression of strength and permanence. The curve on the opposite side, Landgam Street, is less prominent at the request of residents who worried about the building blocking their natural light.
At the southern bow of this massive stone ship is a clock and a statue of Prospero and Ariel over the main entrance. Ariel was chosen because he, like radio waves, cannot be seen and moves through the air. There are three other reliefs of Ariel around the exterior of the building.
The original design of the building is a cylinder for studios flanked by office towers. The idea was to isolate the studios from noise and distraction. The architect was inspired by American skyscrapers.
The biggest renovation in Broadcasting House's history is currently ongoing. The additions made over the years are being demolished and replaced by an even larger facility that will unite most of BBC's London broadcasting facilities. - The statue of Prospero and Ariel from Shakespeare's The Tempest was executed by Eric Gill.
- When Broadcasting House opened, neighbors complained that the building blocked their light. They also complained that it blocked the sound of Big Ben tolling in the distance. To remedy this situation, a loudspeaker was installed on the roof to relay and amplify Big Ben's chimes to the level they would have been had the building not been erected.
- Seven BBC employees died during bombing raids on Broadcasting House during World War II.
- During the Second World War, the building's bright white facade was painted dark to make it harder for aircraft to target. It was still hit three times.
- When Broadcasting House was built, a well was drilled to supply water to the building, but it was never used.
- When the building first opened, it had 22 radio studios.
- When the 2005-2010 renovation is completed, Broadcasting House will have 59 radio studios and six television studios.
- The inscription in the original foyer reads, "a temple of the arts and muses."
method='post' action='/Building.php?ID=763#Rate'>Current rating:  70% name='Rating' id='Rating' value='Praise' class='Plain'> name='Rating' id='Rating' value='Raze' class='Plain'>
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