Sir Terry Farrell, the innovative architect and planner known for his bold “hi-tech” designs such as London’s MI6 headquarters, has passed away at the age of 87.
His London studio confirmed the news in an Instagram post, stating: “It is with deep sadness that, on behalf of his family, the partners and practice of Farrells announce the death of our founder, Sir Terry Farrell.”
Farrell was a leading figure in the “hi-tech” movement of the 1980s and 90s, alongside Nicholas Grimshaw. Together, they created forward-thinking structures, including one of Farrell’s most famous works, the TV-am studios in Camden, London.
Grimshaw, who died earlier this month, was a long-time collaborator with Farrell. Their joint projects, such as the Herman Miller Factory in Bath and the 125 Park Road residential building in London, are considered iconic examples of their distinctive style.
Born in Sale, Cheshire, in 1938, Farrell moved with his family to Newcastle, where he grew up in a council estate called the Grange. He described his childhood home as being “on the edge of the edge” of the city, “on a building site next to the fields.”
He remained in Newcastle to study architecture, graduating in 1961, before pursuing a master’s degree in urban planning at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
Upon returning to the UK, Farrell briefly worked in the architects department of the Greater London Council but found it uninspiring. He later remarked, “It was astonishing, leaderless and rudderless; people just invented their own solutions.”
Farrell truly flourished outside the public sector. In 1965, he moved to London and formed a partnership with Grimshaw. They shared a studio with the experimental architecture group Archigram.
While Grimshaw went on to design the Eden Project in Cornwall, Farrell was often seen as the more reserved of the two. He once said, “For 15 years I tagged along in Nick’s wake.”
Despite his modesty, Farrell’s buildings were striking and impactful. The MI6 headquarters in Vauxhall, completed in 1994, is perhaps his most famous work. Architecture critic Rowan Moore described it as a “flesh-colored ziggurat,” emblematic of the grand, imposing structures Farrell became known for.
Other notable projects by Farrell include Embankment Place, the Home Office headquarters in London, The Deep aquarium in Hull, and Alban Gate—a building that came to symbolize the “big bang architecture” of London’s financial district.
Farrell also left his mark in East Asia, designing Beijing Railway Station, Guangzhou South Railway Station, and the 442-meter KK100 tower in Shenzhen, which held the title of the world’s tallest building designed by a British architect.
His studio noted in their tribute, “Terry was frequently called a maverick and a nonconformist, which he relished. He was an architect who was never quite part of the ‘club.’ He will be remembered as the UK’s leading architect-planner, whose enduring commitment to urbanism helped shape government policy on key built-environment issues.”
At the age of 84, Farrell saw the opening of the Farrell Centre at Newcastle University, which features a gallery and an “urban room”—a space for local residents to explore the past, present, and future of their city. He personally invested £1 million in this project, reflecting his deep commitment to community engagement.In the project, Farrell advocated for conservation while also emphasizing the importance of adapting buildings. “Conservation is more about mindset than a formal label,” he remarked in 2023 at the opening of the Farrell Centre. He added that even a cardboard house can last forever if people are inspired to look after it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the passing of architect Terry Farrell designed to be clear concise and natural
General Beginner Questions
1 Who was Terry Farrell
Terry Farrell was a highly influential and celebrated British architect and urban planner known for his bold postmodern designs
2 What was he most famous for designing
He was most famous for designing the iconic MI6 Building in London the headquarters of the UKs Secret Intelligence Service It looks like a futuristic fortress on the River Thames
3 How did Terry Farrell die
The announcement of his death did not specify a cause He passed away at the age of 87
4 What does unconventional architect mean in his case
It means he broke away from the plain minimalist glass boxes that were common in modern architecture He used color historical references and unique shapes to create more playful and distinctive buildings
5 Where was he from
He was born in Sale Cheshire England in 1938
Advanced Detailed Questions
6 What is postmodernism in architecture which he practiced
Postmodernism is a style that reacted against the simplicity of modernism It often includes a mix of traditional and modern elements uses color and ornamentation and can be playful or ironic
7 Besides the MI6 Building what are some of his other major projects
Some other key projects include
The Embankment Place
The Peak Tower in Hong Kong
The Home Office building in London
Major masterplanning for areas like Kings Cross and Greenwich Peninsula in London
8 What awards or recognition did he receive
He received a knighthood in 2001 for his services to architecture and was awarded the Royal Institute of British Architects Royal Gold Medal in 2019
9 How did his work impact city planning
Farrell was a major advocate for placemaking He believed in designing buildings and spaces that considered their broader urban context creating more livable and connected cities rather than just standalone structures
10 What was a common criticism of his work
Some traditionalist critics found his postmodern style with its bold forms and references
