The world-renowned architect was responsible for iconic buildings across the UK and Asia, but always had a heart for Newcastle
The architect left his mark on landscapes all over the world(Image: Supplied picture. Free to use)
Sir Terry Farrell, world-renowned architect and freeman of the city of Newcastle, has passed away aged 87. The architecture firm he founded, named Farrells after him, announced the news today.
He began his architectural career at the Newcastle University School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, where he graduated with a degree in architecture in 1961. Going on to study urban planning in Philadelphia, this was just the start of his long and fruitful career.
Some of the buildings for which he is best known include the redevelopment of the Comyn Ching Triangle in London’s Covent Garden, Charing Cross Station, and the MI6 headquarters building. His work often took him overseas to East Asia, where he designed many transport hubs across China and South Korea, as well as the KK100 tower in Shenzhen, the tallest building ever designed by a British architect.
Farrell was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 1978 Birthday Honours, promoted to Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 1996 New Year Honours for services to architecture, and knighted in the 2001 Birthday Honours for services to architecture and urban design.
As he moved through his many achievements, he never forgot Newcastle. The city where he first learned his trade, never forgot him either. In an interview with the Chronicle, he stated “I consider Newcastle my home town and I am glad I grew up there, in a place with so many historic buildings”.
“I studied architecture at Newcastle from 1956 to 1961 and it was in the university’s library that my eyes were opened to the wider world.” He also said that he considered Newcastle to be “one of the great cities of England.”
He was made an honourary freeman of Newcastle in 2016, and maintained links with his Alma Mater, Newcastle University, with a donation of £1 million and his archive collection. In addition, he helped bring the Newcastle University Campus into the 21st century with its revitalisation in 2004.
Across the city of Newcastle upon Tyne, you’ll have passed by his work and may have even realised. He was put in charge of the regeneration project for Newcastle Quayside, designed the International Centre for Life, and was the man behind the major extension and refurbishment of the Hancock museum.
Life Science Centre in Times Square, Newcastle(Image: Life Science Centre)
As busy commuters head into Newcastle from the North, as they pass Barras Bridge and the museum he helped design, the Farrell Centre stands as his last project. Described as a platform for debating the future of architecture and ensuring every voice would be heard when it came to the cities they call home.
The touching final tribute from his architecture firm concluded, “Throughout his life, he was a champion for social mobility. He believed the class system to be a huge force in British society, which limited opportunities for the ‘many’, resulting in a democratic impoverishment in our society. The last words should be his:
“My work these last 50 or so years has been heavily involved in creating a kinder, less doctrinaire world than that of the previous era of high modernism. It has been about layering, learning from the past and regenerating with communities’ involvement from the bottom up.” ‘One thing I have learned is that we should make it easier for the aspiring child, because all too often society is not fair and not remotely equal.’
“Terry lived with his wife of 18 years, Mei Xin and was a proud father of Bee, Jo, Milly, Max, Luke, his stepson Zhe and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather.
“They were all very much part of his professional life and have touched the practice in their own way over the years and our thoughts are with them”
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