Telly Savalas famously uttered “This is my kinda town” in a promotional film about Birmingham. He reportedly never actually visited, but in the opening scenes of this well-loved clip, he talks about the greenery and picturesque suburbs, the wide-ranging infrastructure and connectivity and the incredible arts and music. His assessment was that Birmingham was the nation’s industrial powerhouse. So, what happened in the nearly 50 years since such key urban planning moves appeared so right?

As decision-makers search for a defining brand, writing in Architecture Today, Anna Parker contends that Birmingham’s identity is already evident in its bold architecture, creative energy, and proud local spirit.