Brutal

How could I start this blog and not mention the iconic Mancunian Way (started 1961, finished 1967)? Technically the A57(M) flyover, it travels along the southern edge of the city centre. It appeared around the same time as the Piccadilly Plaza (1958 - 1965) and the Hulme Crescents (1968 - 1975) - two examples of architecture that could also be considered pretty grim. Harold Wilson opened the Mancunian Way on the 5th May 1967 and the following year was awarded the Concrete Society's highest honour - The Concrete Society Award. I should also point out the picture below is in colour - I've not taken it in black and white to give it that grim industrial edge - it manages that of it's own accord. The road was intended as a relief road for commercial traffic to the docks and Trafford Park but is now an enormous car park for those poor souls daft enough to travel by automobile.

The blind slip road (below) was never completed - it was intended that the structure should travel into the city centre but now stops in mid-air. There are many subways under the structure - perhaps the most memorable wander through Hulme and Chorlton-on-Medlock. Some readers may have fond memories of these subways and being acquainted with young men fashionably attired in colourful bandanas politely requesting monetary compensation. For further wonders of Manchester Engineering please see - http://www.mace.manchester.ac.uk/undergraduate/whymace/civil/trail/xml/Other%20Pages/home.html

Also, for the love of Hulme - http://www.exhulme.co.uk/