London ...

[Nemesis]

Well, I don't like it, I think it an ugly lump and I'm saddened by these out of scale monstrosities now changing the skyline of the capital:


http://www.bdonline.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=426&storycode=3091351&c=1&encCode=0000000001354f7b

 

[Gareth Hughes]

The inspector’s report also accused English Heritage of performing a U-turn in its view about the building’s architectural merit after minutes from a presentation to EH’s London advisory committee revealed that it initially referred to it as a “distinctive building by a highly respected and accomplished architect”. The report adds: “By the time of the inquiry its view had changed”.

Well, it is

a “distinctive building by a highly respected and accomplished architect”

. That doesn't actually mean it's acceptable though, so I'm not sure EH have performed "a U-turn".

 

[Nemesis]

No - and the editorial comment as usual I find a bit irritating... a glass of wine and I may post a comment!


http://www.bdonline.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=427&storycode=3091341&c=1&encCode=0000000001354f77


Sure it's distinctive, and sure other architects have supported it - well, they would wouldn't they?

As would CABE and of course the City.

CABE's remit is so limited yet it has such an influence at inquiries.

The LAC isn't EH as a whole either.

But the battle is over now - look at the church in the picture and see how it is dwarfed.

I think it's one of the most ugly buildings I've clapped eyes on in a long while. The shadow from it will be vast, and at ground level no doubt the usual arid space.

 

[Penners]

It's the age-old dilemma, isn't it? You want to build major buildings that are representative of the best that architecture has to offer at any given moment. BUT... the new buildings have to sit alongside old ones.

For all the obvious economic arguments, you have to make maximum use of every square centimetre of land - particularly in a capital city - so you have to build high. BUT... that will dwarf the older, smaller buildings.

As to whether this building is truly representative of the best that architecture has to offer today - well, that's entirely subjective and will be the basis of endless debate.

Personally, I really like this design, particularly seen like this against the gherkin and other recent CoL buildings. But how it will look from nearby ground level, against older, historic buildings remains to be seen.

 

[jess marley]

Is anyone else just plain bored with the whole willy thing ? Architecturally, that is.

 

[Pford75]

Whilst I like the design of the new building, I have to agree that it could look somewhat out of place against the older, smaller buildings. Not an easy one to solve as Penners points out.

As an example of how wonderful these skyscrapers can look in a major city....it's worth considering New York. The Manhattan skyline viewed from across the river as the sun is setting is one of the most impressive (and beautiful) examples of modern architecture I have seen. I wouldn't argue that each building in itself is that great...it's the sum of the parts.

It's a shame that London doesn't have a 'Manhattan' where new structures can be built without impingeing upon the historic ones. Maybe this was the theory behind Docklands....but without effective transport and entertainment/commerce....noone wants to work there

 

[CHRIS]

I agree with the Manhattan skyline idea but you the Docklands has a much better transport link than the Bank - Monument station idea, the whole of the Jubilee line is the best part of the Underground network with proper sized platforms and the correct entrance - exit volumes which can deal with the amount of people it holds. It is also air conditioned which creates a much more positive enviroment to travel in (unlike the rest of the tube and most of the rail network). The new link to Stratford and then to Cross rail will be great and may turn London into a 21 century city with out the 19th century infrastucture.

If you can not build out you must build up - simple really, we may even have these high rise farms as discussed in NYC!! I suppose we will run out of water and soil though.

http://www.damninteresting.com/?p=296[/quote]

 

[Penners]

Is anyone else just plain bored with the whole willy thing?

Willy who?

 

[jess marley]

Willy, won't he.