My longing for nature, silence, and isolation over the years likely stems from living in a busy and noisy environment. With age, our needs change, and we crave something entirely different from what we once sought.

There are special moments when the heart races with excitement. We all experience them. In my case, this happens when I swim in the sea, find myself in the middle of nowhere, wander through forests or mountains, or … when I’m surrounded by ubiquitous concrete.

Can raw concrete be fascinating, beautiful, and appealing? Absolutely.

Once you grasp its power and versatility, there’s no turning back. An addiction to its form follows quickly. Bold ideas, stunning design, and unique structures—these are just a small part of what makes concrete so captivating.

In early May, I visited England and Wales with my family. We planned to spend a day in London. Though I’ve visited it many times, this was my first time at the Barbican Estate. Breathtaking experience. We arrived late in the afternoon and had only a few hours to explore before our drive back to our ‘base’. I decided to travel light, carrying only my Rolleiflex T and the compact Rollei 35T. I left the tripod in the car, which I regretted as the building’s interior was quite dark. Thankfully, my mobile phone proved useful.

© Monika Sikora

I won’t delve into the history of the Barbican here, as plenty of information is available online. But one thing is certain: if you appreciate post-war architecture or have an interest in architectural history in general, the Barbican is a must-visit.