Brutalist Architecture and the Inspiration Behind High-Rise
Balfron Tower
Balfron Tower was designed by Ernő Goldfinger in 1963 for the London County Council, has long been cited as the inspiration behind J.G Ballard’s book High-Rise.
Much like in the novel, the architect lived in the Balfron tower, frequently throwing champagne parties for the residents, before moving out some short months later.
Image from the High-Rise pamphlet
(Click the image to view full size)
The Balfron was the source of several sounds used in the film High-Rise, including the lift door sounds and the rubbish chute. (Source: High-Rise Sound Designer Martin Pavey)
Early residents of the Balfron spoke favourably of their new lives there, despite the fact that the lifts often broke down, the heating didn’t work, there were no doorbells and the windows were draughty.
Later reports would show that anti-social behaviour, vandalism, leaking pipes and rodent infestation became common.
Source: balfrontower.org
Many consider Balfron Tower the direct inspiration behind High-Rise due to the book’s description of its location near the Thames.
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