Barbican revamp to give ‘bewildering’ arts centre a new lease of life

Though the Barbican complex is a fixture in London’s cultural scene and skyline, its confusing layout and inaccessible walkways have confused visitors and performers for decades. Photograph: Alicia Canter/The Guardian

“Everything leaks,” says Philippa Simpson, the director of buildings and renewal at the Barbican, who is standing outside the venue’s lakeside area and inspecting the tired-looking tiles beneath her feet.

Water seeps through the cracks into the building below and serves as a reminder of the job facing Simpson and the team who are overhauling the 43-year-old landmark.