Are you passionate about Architecture? Join Us!

ArchitectureAndUs is a FreeTimePays Community of Passion that utilises digital engagement and social media to deliver real change and positive social impact.

‘People with Passion’ are given the digital space and the digital tools so they can promote their passion for Architecture and connect with people who share their passion.

ArchitectureAndUs is all about engaging people in the promotion of architecture and the recognition that our buildings are there for us all to enjoy and appreciate.

ArchitectureAndUs is a Community of Passion that utilises FreeTimePays digital engagement and social media to deliver real change and positive social impact.

FreeTimePays is an impact focused digital platform and social media channel specifically for people who want to make a difference and create a positive social and economic impact.

FreeTimePays is the social media of choice for 'People with Passion'.

With FreeTimePays, we help people take their passion to the next level by giving them access to a suite of digital tools and applications.

With Passion Points and with the support of our FreeTimePays partners, we recognise people for the difference and contribution they make and the positive impact they collectively deliver. 

Connect with us HERE and take your passion to the next level.

The Cube, Birmingham, UK - A City Gem (modern architecture) - cycle, walk or visit with us

The Cube was built between 2007 and 2010.  It is located near The Mailbox alongside the Worcester & Birmingham Canal on Commercial Street and near Washington Wharf at B1 1RN. The architect was Ken Shuttleworth of Make Architects. 

The Cube is one of Birmingham's iconic builds and is much loved by the City and photographers.

Take our post.

The Cube at 25-storeys high is a mixed-use development. It contains apartments, offices, restaurants, a hotel and a 'skyline' Steakhouse Bar & Grill run by award winning chef and celebrity Marco Pierre White.  The Cube even has its own bowling alley.

Taking inspiration from the city’s jewellery making tradition, Ken Shuttleworth's vision for The Cube was to create “an enchanting jewellery box”, rich with light and intricate gold and bronze geometric shapes. 

The building’s iconic jewel-like exterior is complemented by an interior that is filled with evocative bronze sculptures by renowned local street artist, Temper.

The panoramic view of the City from the top of The Cube is stunning.

For the site map select HERE.

Here is a selection of photography from our community.

This one taken during construction of The Cube in 2009.

Photographer: Daniel Sturley.

And here are some of our community's gallery of photography after the build was completed. 

Photographer: Chris Fletcher.

Photography: Daniel Sturley

Photographer: Chris Fletcher

And here are some creative takes on the build.

Photographer: Fay Loewy

Photographer: Imran Ali Bashir

For more detail on the build select HERE.

Coming soon - The Birmingham Gems 'Creativity and Culture Trail'

The Cube will be featured in an amazing trail of modern architecture across the City and a new showcase of creativity to be launched on a new Birmingham Gems interactive digital platform later this year.  

To find out more contact:

Jonathan Bostock, email: Jonathan.Bostock@peoplemattersnework.com 

07432 637322

The Mercian, Birmingham, UK - A City Gem (modern architecture) - cycle, walk or visit with us

The Mercian, otherwise known as Moda Tower, is an under construction 132 metre high mixed-use skyscraper located on Broad Street, Birmingham. Developer: Moda Living; Architect: Glenn Howells; Construction: John Sisk & Son.

View full post for all maps, our trail of modern architecture and great images. 

Or select RELATED.

For the trail select HERE.

For the site map select HERE.

For more detail on the build select HERE.

Artists impression courtesy Glenn Howells Architects.

For a gallery of great images and photography from our community select HERE.

Photographer: Stephen Giles.

Photographer: Daniel Sturley.

Photographer: Reiss Gordon-Henry

Photographer: Elliott Brown

This is a FreeTimePays initiative and collaboration with BirminghamWeAre to engage community in their built environment. 

For more information contact us on 0121 410 5520 or email jonathan.Bostock@FreeTimePays.com. 

Introducing The Wesleyan, Birmingham, UK

The Wesleyan was built between 1988 to 1991 for the Wesleyan and General Assurance Society on the site of the Gaumont Cinema.

It is located at Colmore Square, Birmingham. B4 6AR.

Take our post for a bit of history and a bit of photography.  Enjoy!

Founded in 1841, at the height of the Industrial Revolution, The Wesleyan this year celebrated its 179th anniversary back in April.

Their current building, completed in 1991 and opened by HRH the Duke of Kent KG on their 150th anniversary, offers a bright and modern open-plan working environment, plus an on-site restaurant.

It lies within easy reach of the West Midlands Tram & Snow Hill, Moor Street and New Street train stations.

The Wesleyan, located at Colmore Circus near Steelhouse Lane, was built on the site of the Gaumont Cinema. 

Photo courtesy Kinospoter and Cinema Treasures. 

According to Cinema Treasures, the cinema opened in 1931 and was built in the Art Deco style. In 1961, the cinema was closed and in1963 opened up as a Cinerama Theatre. This then closed in 1973 for repairs and redecoration and closed for the final time in 1983. The building was demolished in 1986.

The facade of the building was dismantled brick by brick and was put into storage.  The original intention was to re-use the brickwork on the same site.

Construction of The Wesleyan began in 1988 and continued until about 1991. The Wesleyan was built for the Wesleyan and General Assurance Society by Peter Hing & Jones.

Built of pink granite, it has a central core with an upside down pyramid roof. 

The subways around Colmore Circus would remained into the late 1990s but have since been filled in.  The area was raised to road level in the 2000s and became Colmore Square, which is located between the bottom end of Colmore Row and Steelhouse Lane at Colmore Circus Queensway.

Here is a selection of photography of The Wesleyan taken over the years.

January 2010

Photos courtesty of Elliott Brown

The Wesleyan on the 26th July 2014

Photos courtesy Elliott Brown and Daniel Sturley