The Architecture of Imperialism (Systems, Buildings, and Power in the Age of Globalisation, 1800-2000)

Arguing that architecture was decisive in shaping the projection of imperial power, this fascinating collection of essays shows how the built environment structured the everyday practices of colonial governance and commerce in Britain’s global empire.

With London as the administrative and political centre of the realm, the volume begins with an examination of architecture and authority at Westminster and Whitehall before tracing their extension across Britain’s overseas territories. Twelve leading scholars of imperial architecture explore a wide range of building types – houses, churches, railway stations, observatories, schools, museums, memorials, offices, ports, universities, and government buildings – that gave material form to empire. Through case studies of both canonical and lesser-known sites, they show how the built environment sought to standardize daily life, regulate commerce, reassure settlers far from home, and advance ideologically charged claims of civilization.

As Britain’s empire crumbled and its colonies moved towards independence, architecture played a central role in reshaping political power and in the formation of modern political culture and nationhood across the globe. Visually rich and historically astute, this volume tells the architectural story of Britain’s imperial project.