Farrell, Sir Terry

Farrell, Sir Terry (1938–  ). British architect. With Grimshaw, he founded (1965) the Farrell/Grimshaw Partnership, but set up (1980) his own practice (now Terry Farrell & Partners). Among his early works were designs for Clifton Nurseries in Bayswater (1979–80) and Covent Garden (1980–1—demolished), both in London, in which Classical references appeared. His large developments, e.g. Embankment Place, Charing Cross (1987–90), over the railway tracks of the terminus, and a similar bridged solution at Alban Gate, over London Wall, in the City (1987–92), make powerful contributions to the urban fabric of London. One of his most felicitous buildings is the headquarters of the Henley Royal Regatta, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon. (1983–5). Other works include the TV AM Television Studios, Camden Town (1981–2), MI6 Headquarters, Vauxhall Cross (1988–92), and The Point, Paddington (2001–3), all in London. The partnership has designed numerous master-plans in various locations all over the world, many associated with transport. The Kowloon Station complex, China (1992–8), for example, is a vast scheme which will eventually become part of a new urban district, with offices, hotels, a huge retail space, bus stations, garages, car parks, and 4,000 dwellings. Before that, Farrell's first project in China was the Peak Tower, Hong Kong (1991–5), now a major landmark. Also in Hong Kong, he designed the Government Headquarters for the British Consulate and British Council (1992–6). Farrell was responsible for a major intervention in west central Edinburgh on lands that included the old Caledonian railway station: his proposals re-established links between the Old Town and the New which had been severed by the Victorian railway-engineers, and included the creation of new public open spaces and a handsome conference centre (1989–95). In Edinburgh, the firm also converted Thomas Hamilton's idiosyncratic Dean Orphanage (1831–3) into a stunning art-gallery (1996–9). All in all, the range of works by the firm is stimulating, and many of Farrell's schemes have won prestigious awards.

Bibliography

Kalman (1994);
Farrell (1994);
Farrell & and Partners (2002, 2002a);
K. Powell (1993);
J. Tobin et al. (2002)