Architects of Rock @ V&A - Pink Floyd: Their Mortal Remains

The past month of July we took advantage of the visit to the extraordinary first international retrospective of one of the world’s most iconic and influential bands. Presented by the V&A, Pink Floyd and Iconic Entertainment Studios.

The exhibition section dedicated to the Architects of Rock. Photo © MBA Photography 2017

Of all the exhibition apart from the musical instruments, the story of the band really told in a detailed way, we were really impressed by the section called precisely "Architects of Rock" where are presented the original drawings of the architects that most influenced the rock music industry and not only.

Among the projects that are presented to the public stands the famous "Fun Palace" wich was one of the most influential projects of Cedric Price (1934-2003) and inspired Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano’s early 1970s project, Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris or the most recent London's Millenium Dome.

Above: Image from "Fun Palace" promotional brochure .

Architect Cedric Price and theatre director Joan Littlewood developed the concept of the "Fun Palace" in 1961. Central to Price’s practice was the belief that through the correct use of new technology the public could have unprecedented control over their environment, resulting in a building which could be responsive to visitors’ needs and the many activities intended to take place there. As the marketing material suggested, there was a wide choice of activities: “Choose what you want to do – or watch someone else doing it. Learn how to handle tools, paint, babies, machinery, or just listen to your favourite tune. Dance, talk or be lifted up to where you can see how other people make things work. Sit out over space with a drink and tune in to what’s happening elsewhere in the city. Try starting a riot or beginning a painting – or just lie back and stare at the sky.”

Panels from the series Introducing "The Instant city in a Field" by Peter Cook 1969 and "The Self Destruct Environs Pole" by Ron Herron 1969 , Archigram about 1970 are also presented to the public.

Panels from the series Introducing Archigram .

Panels from the series Introducing Archigram .

Archigram envisioned future-built environments in which entertainment infrastructure (including lights, sound and staging equipment) could be assembled as required. These ideas, which once seemed futuristic and utopian, fed into the development of stadio rock touring in the 1970s.

Pink Floyd had an informed interest in architecture and worked with cutting -edge architects, designers and engineers to create spectacular staging.

The Battersea Power Station with the floating pig between the two chimneys, which became the symbol of Pink Floyd. Photo © MBA Photography 2017

One of Gerald Scarfe’s creations for The Wall and reconstruction of the Battersea Power Station is that it appeared on the cover of Pink Floyd's 1977 album Animals. Photo © MBA Photography 2017

We strongly recommend to visit this exhibition to all who are fascinated by the Architects of rock and the Pink Floyd !