Architecture
Designed by a man from the Ministry
The 38,600 square metre building was designed by James G West, Principal Architect for Whitehall, who fashioned it in the style of the imposing ministry buildings in central London.
It was the most expensive government building constructed in London during the 1920s.The building looks like authentic natural stone, but is in fact made from concrete, reinforced by 2000 tons of steel: one reason why it was so costly.
It has a very restrained classical look, with an immense arched portico framing the entrance. Like many institutional buildings of the period, it was built to last, and is spacious and well proportioned. From the outside the building looks like one large block, but has a secret feature: a series of five internal courtyards.
