Bringing Brutalism Home: Introducing the Made x Barbican Collection
By Editor • August 17, 2026 • 2 min read
This month, design enthusiasts can celebrate the launch of the 'Made x Barbican' collection, a uniquely inspired furniture and lighting line that captures the essence of London's iconic Barbican Centre. Renowned for its striking brutalist architecture and vibrant arts scene, the Barbican serves as a source of creative inspiration for this new 23-piece collection developed by Made, a brand dedicated to making high-end design accessible.
The Barbican, built in 1982 on a significant WWII bomb site, showcases a blend of cultural and residential spaces. The Made team meticulously researched the complex's archives and the visionary work of designer Miriam Howitt, who crafted five show homes in the late 1960s, to inform their design direction.
Highlighting architectural motifs, the collection features pieces that echo the Barbican's signature forms, such as the 'Dual' accent chairs with wooden side panels mirroring the estate's concrete pillars, and the 'Plinth' coffee table inspired by sunken seating areas near the Barbican lake. The 'Curve' lamp series reflects the Concert Hall's tubular acoustic panels, while the 'Coffer' lighting range draws from the iconic coffered ceilings found throughout the complex.
The collection also includes two sofa designs, a dining table, and a wooden sideboard in stained ash, all available in a warm palette reminiscent of Howitt's original color schemes. Accessories like a graphic cushion that showcases the Barbican's 'boat edge' balconies and the ochre and white 'Brute' rug further enhance the offerings.
To celebrate the collection's debut, a free immersive installation will be held at the Barbican Centre in collaboration with the London Design Festival this September, offering insights into the creative process. Additionally, the Barbican is seeking a designer to create a bespoke furniture range for its 50th anniversary, with proposals due by the end of the month. The 'Made x Barbican' collection will be available from August 2026, with prices starting at £32.
Source: www.wallpaper.com
