London’s Barbican was once called ugly. Some residents think a new office tower is worse

The once-divisive housing complex is now considered a masterpiece. PHOTO: NYTIMES[LONDON] Loved by fans, loathed by critics, the Barbican housing complex has divided opinion since it rose from the bombed-out ashes of central London after World War II. It’s overlooking,” said Jan-Marc Petroschka, chair of the Barbican Association, a residents’ group, referring to the proposed office building, which is known as One Silk Street. The office building next to the Barbican would have shops and cafes rather than housing. Stimson added that she was determined to contest the office building.