General arrangement

The interior of the Barbican Centre is not organised as a single unified hall or sequence of clearly defined spaces, but as a network of interconnected foyers, terraces, and circulation routes arranged across several levels. This arrangement reflects the way in which the Centre is built into the Barbican Estate rather than standing as a separate structure. The internal spaces follow the same layered logic as the external terraces, with movement taking place across different heights rather than along a single horizontal plane.

Foyers and spatial character

The principal foyers are large, open areas which extend across more than one level. They are intended to allow movement between the main venues—the concert hall, theatre, galleries, and cinema—but also to function as spaces in their own right.

In practice, these foyers are interrupted by structural elements, including large concrete piers, as well as by bars, ticket desks, kiosks, and temporary installations. The result is a series of spaces which are visually striking and varied in character, but which do not always provide clear orientation or direct routes between destinations.

Circulation and navigation

Movement through the building takes place by means of multiple staircases, ramps, and landings. These are often arranged in such a way that changes of level occur gradually and without a single obvious point of transition. The different levels do not always correspond clearly to particular venues, and a visitor may pass through several intermediate spaces before reaching a destination.

This complexity has been widely remarked upon. First-time visitors frequently experience difficulty in finding their way, particularly when approaching the building from street level and attempting to reach spaces located above or below the main foyers. The sense of confusion arises not simply from inadequate signage, but from the underlying spatial arrangement, which was designed to be explored as a sequence of spaces rather than navigated as a straightforward plan.

Scale and visual connections

At the same time, the interior spaces are on a large scale and can be impressive in their own right. The foyers provide long views across different levels and allow visual connections between parts of the building which are physically separated. The floor of the main foyer areas is not level throughout and in places slopes noticeably, particularly in the approach towards the stalls level of the Barbican Hall. This contributes to the sense that the building is arranged on a continuous gradient rather than in clearly defined storeys.

Daytime use

The foyers are used for a variety of purposes beyond circulation. During the day, they are often occupied by visitors working, reading, or meeting informally. The proximity of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama contributes to this pattern of use, with students frequently using the public spaces for study and rehearsal preparation.

Use during events

In the evenings, the same spaces accommodate audiences attending concerts, theatre performances, and film screenings. The bars and cafés become active, and the foyers function as gathering spaces before and after events. The Centre is also used for conferences and formal events, in which case parts of the building may be temporarily reconfigured, with areas of the foyer closed off or adapted for specific purposes.

Graduation ceremonies and similar events make use of both the main venues and the surrounding public areas. These activities often extend onto the lakeside terrace, reinforcing the connection between the interior and the exterior spaces.

Relationship with the lake

The relationship between the interior and the lake is an important aspect of the experience of the building. From certain points within the foyers, views open out across the water, providing contrast with the enclosed character of other internal areas.

Distribution of functions

The arrangement of the art galleries reflects the same principles as the rest of the building. Rather than forming a single large exhibition hall, they are distributed across a series of spaces which are connected to the main circulation routes. The upper gallery level consists of smaller rooms opening off a central passage, while below, a further gallery space follows the curve of the building, linking different parts of the Centre.

The cinema and studio theatre spaces are located deeper within the structure, in positions that are less immediately visible from the main circulation routes. By contrast, one of the smaller cinema spaces is located at a higher level and is approached by a glazed walkway running alongside the conservatory, providing a distinctive route through the building.

The conservatory

The conservatory forms a major internal space, although it is separated from the main flow of movement. Its location at a high level means that it is reached deliberately rather than encountered in passing. This gives it a different character from the more heavily used public areas below.

Overall impression

Throughout the interior, the combination of exposed concrete structure, glazing, and inserted elements such as timber finishes and planting creates a varied visual environment. The intention was to combine a strong architectural framework with more informal and human elements, and the success of this approach has been judged differently by different observers.

Taken as a whole, the interior of the Barbican Centre is characterised by complexity, variety, and a lack of straightforward hierarchy between spaces. These qualities contribute both to its distinctive character and to the practical difficulties experienced by visitors.