Selfridges Building, Birmingham 5.38

The Selfridges Building is a landmark building in Birmingham, England. The building is part of the Bullring Shopping Centre and houses Selfridges Department Store. The building was completed in 2003 at a cost of £60 million and designed by architecture firm Future Systems. It has a steel framework with sprayed concrete facade. Since its construction, the building has become an iconic architectural landmark and seen as a major contribution to the regeneration of Birmingham. It is included as a desktop background as part of the Architecture theme in Windows 7.ArchitectureThe architecture firm Future Systems were appointed by Selfridge's then chief executive, Vittorio Radice, to design only the third store outside London. Although Selfridges was physically integrated with the Bullring Shopping Centre the client wanted a distinct design approach which would set the store apart from the rest of the development and become an instantly recognisable signpost for the brand. The building's facade is curved, wrapping around the corner of Moor Street and Park Street. The facade comprises 15,000 anodised aluminium discs mounted on a blue background.AwardsRIBA Award for Architecture 2004Concrete Society Awards, Overall Winner 2004Structural Steel Awards 2004Royal Fine Art Commission Trust, Retail Innovation 2004Institution of Civil Engineers, Project Award Winner 2004Civic Trust Award 2004Retail Week Awards, Retail Destination of the Year 2004