Period Architectural Award

[LadyArowana]

Not really my style, but interesting http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-24287009

 

[Zebra]

I don't like it either. Not that it's any bad thing to bring an old building back into use. However, contrasting the old with the new is all very well, but I find the new brickwork just a bit too new looking, the new walls panelling and beams just a bit too modern looking, and those ply panels on the staircase really not very attractive at all.

 

[JoceAndChris]

How ugly.

Bring back George Gilbert Scott, at once!

 

[mivec]

I disagree, I think it's one of the best restoration/conservation projects I've seen. I'm all for complimenting the original fabric rather than faking it, this is the ultimate expression of that.

What else were they suppose to do with it. Leave it as was, a romantic pigeon loft that would eventually crumble away? Reconstruct it as it would have been originally built, or how someone imagined it would have been built? Or worse still, rebuild it to a more comfortable period in time and decorate it with an opulent faux Georgian or Victorian interior?

I read somewhere that this project could end up redefining how historic building conservation is approached, I hope so.

 

[Zebra]

Oh yes mivec, I don't disagree with you, I don't say that it's a bad way to approach conservation, that the new parts look so modern. I just meant that I don't like it...

 

[jocelyn plummer]

I like the concept very much and think that it is a fair interpretation of the building as a whole. The only thing I find unattractive are the hard, sharp lines of the windows and stairs, but it is more honest, in this context, to not try to recreate. I agree that the brick work does look a little odd but hopefully it will weather in.

Bit spooky I thought!

Maybe the same could be done for Houghton House, our local ruined monument which makes my fingers itch every time we walk up there!

 

[plasticpigeon]

Well I'm pleased that its future is more secure, and it looks like the original fabric wasn't damaged so fair enough. I'm sure a full on restoration would have cost 10 times as much, so all good really. However I don't think it is worthy of an award, and I hope it doesn't start a trend of seeing old buildings as an adornment to a modern structure. As I've said before this approach to restoration seems peculiar to buildings, I'm sure that ancient and historically important violins, jewellery, furniture or automobiles (for example) could not be treated in this way and gain such praise.

 

[philpjuk100]

Sorry! but I quite like it,as long as the original fabric is not damaged and is now maintained,so much better than some "grand designs" restorations.

 

[88v8]

Yuk.
But it could have been worse.
And at least the original fabric has been conserved, and in the unlikely event that someone in the future has the will & funds for a full restoration/Disneyisation - which I would prefer to this - then that would still be possible.

Award-worthy? Hmmm

Ivor

 

[Feltwell]

I preferred the Giants Causeway visitors centre.

Mind you, I preferred it even more when I last went to the Giants Causeway and there were no facilities at all and barely any visitors!