Southend's swish new pier

I love a crazy looking building, something unexpected and against tradition for its surroundings – yet one that just really, really works. Especially when it's the sort of thing you imagine Prince Charles would hate... can only be a good thing.

So check out the excellently angular, madly modern new cultural centre on the end of Southend's 1835-built pleasure pier (the world's longest), which is due to open later this autumn. It is designed by Sprunt and Swedish practice, White Arkitekter – check out their websites for more images and information.

All images by Luke Hayes