Famous landmarks such as the London Eye, Angel of the North and Edinburgh Castle have been reimagined in contrasting architectural styles ahead of Grand Designs Live at Birmingham’s NEC.
The series was created by Grand Designs Live to showcase how different our cities could have been if they’d been designed during alternate architectural eras.
Kunle Barker, property expert and host of Grand Designs Live, reviewed the reimagined landmarks, picking out his favourites and commenting on where the artificial intelligence has got it right or very wrong.
He said, “These AI designs show just how much architecture changes over the course of time – and they give us a fun peek at what our landmarks might look like if they were built in a different era.
“I don’t wholly agree with some of the reinterpretations, and on occasion I definitely think the original is better! It goes to show that while AI is useful, sometimes good old-fashioned humans make the best grand designs.”
LONDON EYE – ART NOUVEAU
Originally built in the early 21st century, the London Eye is known for its modern engineering and iconic silhouette across the London skyline. The AI transformation reimagines it in the Art Nouveau style, featuring flowing lines, ornate details, and intricate patterns that evoke early 20th-century elegance.
Kunle observes, “The Art Nouveau redesign of the London Eye looks really imposing and elegant, which is definitely true to the architecture style. The intricate patterns and flowing forms are very different to the original design we all know, and I actually quite like this one – I’m just not sure why it’s been repositioned to the other side of the river!”
BULLRING BIRMINGHAM – ROMAN CLASSICAL
Originally designed in the 1960s, the Bullring Bull has been reimagined with a Roman Classical influence. The updated design features intricate swirls and decorative patterns that echo the ornate details of Roman sculpture, giving the bull a more classical, refined and almost regal appearance.
Kunle adds, “This Bullring Bull combines modern vibes with a sprinkle of Roman elegance. It’s a fresh, stylish twist on a local favourite, and I can’t help but admire how sophisticated it looks!”
EDINBURGH CASTLE – NEO FUTURIST
Edinburgh Castle, a proud symbol of Scotland,has been transformed into a dystopian sci-fi fantasy. This AI twist takes its storied stone walls and gives them a sleek, futuristic style, creating a strikingly bold and somewhat eerie new personality.
Kunle says, “It’s like Hogwarts Castle meets 1984! This mashup of old and new is absolutely wild—who knew history could take such an avant-garde and dystopian turn? I have to say, I’m not completely sold on it; the original has a charm that’s hard to beat!”
ROYAL ALBERT HALL – CONTEMPORARY
The Royal Albert Hall, a prime example of Victorian architecture, is reinterpreted through a Modern lens in this AI-generated design. Featuring sleek lines and minimalist details, this vision contrasts with the hall’s ornate 19th-century design.
Barker notes,“This Modern redesign is a breath of fresh air! It’s like the hall decided to go for a spa day—sleek, stylish, and ready for a new era while still holding onto its classic roots. This has got to me my favourite re-design yet.”
TOWER OF LONDON – ART DECO
The Tower of London, with its medieval fortifications, is envisioned through the glamorous Art Deco style in this AI transformation. Featuring geometric shapes and luxe materials this reinterpretation highlights retro sophistication.
Barker reflects, “Talk about a style upgrade. This Art Deco twist on the tower adds a splash of pizzazz to its historic vibe—elegance meets medieval might, and I’m here for it.”
ANGEL OF THE NORTH – POST-MODERN
Originally designed by Antony Gormley, the Angel of the North is known for its simple, monumental form. But the AI version adds a grey and dystopian twist, far from the clean lines of the original.
Kunle Barker says, “This new angel is having a moment. With its bizarre forms and edgy design, it’s like the sculpture got a playful yet dystopian makeover. I love the creativity, but I can’t help but miss the simplicity of the original—it had a calm strength that’s hard to replicate.”
CLIFTON SUSPENSION BRIDGE – NEO FUTURIST
Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in the 19th century, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is a masterpiece of early engineering. The AI reinterpretation places it in a Neo Futurist context, featuring sleek, cutting-edge forms and advanced structural elements. In this version, there’s another bridge added on… that leads to nowhere.
Barker comments, “This is like the bridge got an upgrade and decided it needed… more bridges. The Neo Futurist vision introduces a bold, forward-thinking design that complements its historic engineering. While I appreciate the innovative approach, I can’t help but wonder if it strays a bit too far from Brunel’s original charm. It’s a fun take, but I’m a sucker for the classic.”
