(This story was originally published in Cantonese in 2023. It is now being republished by the editor on this site in 2025 in English.)
On 15 June 2023, I paid a visit to one of London’s most iconic landmarks — Battersea Power Station — and stepped into its uniquely designed Apple Store. Far more than just a retail space, this store stands as a striking testament to the harmonious blending of history, architecture, and modern technology.
A Historic Revival: Battersea Power Station
Built in the 1930s on the banks of the River Thames, Battersea Power Station is one of Britain’s most recognisable industrial monuments. Its four towering chimneys became a distinctive part of London’s skyline and even featured on the cover of Pink Floyd’s 1977 album Animals. After serving as a coal-fired power station for more than fifty years, it was decommissioned in 1983 and lay dormant for decades.
Following years of redevelopment debates and proposals, the building was finally reborn in 2022. Today, the site combines luxury apartments, office spaces, leisure areas, and a vibrant retail hub — transforming a relic of the industrial era into a modern urban landmark.
Architectural Symbiosis: The Apple Store Experience
The Apple Store within Battersea Power Station exemplifies how a contemporary tech brand can respectfully inhabit a historic structure. The design maintains the raw industrial character of the original building — exposed steel beams, brickwork, and soaring ceilings — while introducing Apple’s signature minimalist aesthetic.
Natural light floods the space through vast windows and skylights, illuminating sleek tables that neatly showcase Apple’s latest products. The juxtaposition between old and new — between bricks and aluminium, rivets and glass — creates a space that is both futuristic and deeply rooted in heritage.
A dedicated area in the centre hosts Today at Apple sessions, offering free creative workshops that invite the public to engage with technology through art, music, and design. Staff members are not only well-versed in the products but also share stories about the building’s transformation, adding depth to the retail experience.
Conclusion
The Apple Store at Battersea Power Station is more than a place to browse for gadgets — it’s an experience. It demonstrates how technological innovation can co-exist with architectural legacy, and how the past can enrich our interaction with the future. From the era of steam to the age of silicon, from chimneys to iPhones — Battersea continues to power connections, in a very different light.
