Aston University Engineering Building

Rare example of 1960s Brutalist architecture designed by Seely & Paget, featuring a distinctive diamond-patterned concrete facade. The building houses modern engineering labs and offers occasional public tours showcasing both architectural significance and cutting-edge research. It sits in Birmingham's Edgbaston, close to the other main sights. It sits below the headline sights but earns its place on a longer visit to Birmingham, especially paired with nearby Birmingham Oratory. Tickets cost Free guided tours and 1 hour is enough to see everything without rushing.

Priority: Medium - include with 2+ days Time needed: 1 hour Best for: outstanding example of 1960s brutalist Skip if: You dislike concrete architecture or need guaranteed access without booking Cost: Free guided tours

You walk through corridors with geometric concrete patterns casting shifting shadows, peer into active engineering laboratories through large windows, and experience the monumental scale of 1960s educational architecture from both inside and outside.

Accessibility: Full wheelchair access via main entrance, lifts to all floors

Outstanding example of 1960s Brutalist architecture with active engineering research. It is not the first thing you should see in Birmingham, but with two or more days it fills a gap the major sights leave. It pairs naturally with Birmingham Oratory and Edgbaston Reservoir - together they fill a solid half-day.

Skip if: You dislike concrete architecture or need guaranteed access without booking

• Book tours well in advance through university website.
• Bring photo ID for security entry.
• Tours may be cancelled during exam periods.

Insider tip: The diamond concrete pattern creates different shadow effects throughout the day - best photography around 2pm

Exterior diamond pattern best captured in afternoon light, interior photography restricted in lab areas