Newcastle upon Tyne – An Intriguing Contrast of Modern and Classic Architecture

I arrived, together with a group of Dutch Travel Bloggers (travelbloggers.nl), in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, on a crisp winter day. Upon entering the harbour by ferry, we were all allowed to keep company with the captain of King Seaways (DFDS Seaways), listen to stories about his life and career with DFDS, and observe an unusual mix of industrial buildings and modern apartment blocks situated on either side of the harbour. This was to be the beginning of my fascination with a juxtaposition of old and new architecture in the city.

My second observation of this contrast was in the many striking and innovative bridges over the Tyne River and the surrounding (and very different) architectural structures. In fact, the most interesting bridge for me was not the Millennium Bridge, an innovative masterpiece that is lit up in bright colours at night. Instead, I found the green Tyne Bridge with its heavy industrial look and feel, complete with rivets and tons of steelwork, to be the most interesting. This is because the bridge offers multiple and varied perspectives from which to compare and contrast building designs, including a view of buildings from the 1900s but also that of the very modern Sage Gateshead which opened in 2004.

Another captivating contrast of new and old is demonstrated in this photograph below showing the ancient city wall from the 13^th century BC and behind that a modern apartment block with a glass, industrial-style feature, most definitely from the 2000s.

This unusual mix can be found right near the gate to China Town – yet another colourful architectural contrast in this city.

Other examples of the juxtaposition of old and modern/innovative can be seen around Castle Keep, a medieval fortification in the old part of the city and near to the train station.

Even the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead is in itself a melange of old and new. The building was originally a flourmill built in the late 1930s and was converted into an arts centre in 2002. Its façade currently showcases an iconic Thomas Bayrle illustration, demonstrative of contemporary art, just below the words ‘Baltic Flour Mill’, which reveal the original use of this building in the 30s. This observation yet again adds to the intriguing modern/classic mix.

Lastly, Newcastle upon Tyne is a city with much to offer those who appreciate different forms of architecture, who have an eye for design and who desire to visit a vibrant, interesting city with many pleasant architectural surprises.