What secrets lie hidden beneath the unassuming facade of Enterprise House? Don’t let the simplicity of the name fool you. This building holds a special place in British architectural history. Enterprise House, completed in 1912, wasn’t just another factory. It was a statement, a testament to the pioneering vision of a young engineer named E. Owen Williams. This was his debut on the architectural stage, and what a debut it was! Williams chose an unconventional path, constructing Enterprise House with a reinforced concrete frame using the Kahn system. This American technique, patented just a few years prior in 1903, was a novelty in Britain. Williams didn’t just utilize this innovative system, he celebrated it. The concrete beams and posts are left exposed, standing proud for all to see. This bold choice, unusual for its time, earned Enterprise House the affectionate nickname “Little Chicago”. This nod to the American city, a pioneer in skyscraper construction, speaks volumes about Williams’ forward-thinking approach. Though now home to warehousing and industrial units, Enterprise House still stands as a testament to innovation and architectural daring.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to