The world of architecture has paid tribute to John Madin – the man behind Birmingham’s Central Library and many more buildings in the city.

Mr Madin, whose ‘Brutalist’ buildings across the city split opinion for decades, died aged 87 in a Southampton hospital on Sunday.

His death comes as work takes place on the city’s new Library of Birmingham – which will mean the end of Mr Madin’s Central Library in Chamberlain Square – but his legacy lives on elsewhere in the region, as he masterminded Edgbaston’s Calthorpe Estate commercial area and the early designs for Dawley New Town, which later became Telford.

Prominent architects from the region said Mr Madin’s legacy will be felt in Birmingham for decades, describing him as the most influential architect of the post-war period in the city.

Glenn Howells, of Birmingham-based Glenn Howells Architects, said Mr Madin was to be admired as much for his output as his architectural prowess.

He said: “He was probably the most important mid-20th century architect that the city had in that he brought international examples and experience to bear in the city.

"He is probably best known for the major buildings he left behind, but some of the most interesting work he did was in residential development, like the Calthorpe Estate buildings.

“He was quite prolific. His output was huge over many decades.”

Mr Madin’s designs became a contentious issue for many and the Central Library seemed to be loved and loathed in equal measures.

Other notable buildings he designed include the former Post & Mail building, in Colmore Circus, and BBC Pebble Mill, in Edgbaston.

Both buildings were demolished in the last decade.

Matthew Dobson, regional director of RIBA West Midlands, said: “The work of John Madin and his associates had a profound influence on re-shaping Birmingham in the post war period.