The Lowry

The Lowry is a combined theatre and gallery complex situated in Salford Quays, in Salford, England. It is named after the early 20th century painter, L. S. Lowry, known for this paintings of industrial scenes in North West England.

The complex houses a drama studio, two theatres, the Lyric and the Quays, coloured green, purple and red respectively, which host a wide range of touring plays, comedians and musical events.

The Lowry also hosts the Opera North series of operas. The Lyric Theatre has the largest stage in the United Kingdom outside London's West End, with seating for 1,730 people. The complex also contains a 2000m² gallery to house 350 paintings by L.S. Lowry.

Designed by Michael Wilford and Buro Happold, (Wayfinding System and "Artworks at the Lowry Gallery" by Reich + Petch) the building was completed in 1999 costing £120 million. Funding was helped by £21m of National Lottery funding.

The aerofoil canopy at the entrance is clad with perforated steel and illuminated from the inside at night.

This building is where architecture meets abstract art with great success.  The forms, shapes and contours of both the interior and the exterior are brilliantly cohesive.  When I visit a glazing and panel project like this, I am humbled.

Nothing that I have observed anywhere in the US can top this in terms of complexity of layout and masterful, flawless execution.  Whoever engineered this job is extremely talented.  Only the best and brightest, I assume, would have an opportunity to work on such a high profile and high dollar project.

 Extraordinary design, almost hallucinogenic in its variety of patterns and irregular geometry.  The building has also aged gracefully and the installers did an outstanding job of sealing and coating the building.  Must have been a "dream team" of perfect coordination and management to pull it off so well.  The British know exactly what they are doing!