A Debate on Modern Architecture
To celebrate architecture week, the Royal Institute of British Architects held a debate in a committee room in Parliament, asking “Have architects learned the lessons of the 1960s?”. You can guess which side of the HOuse I was on - yes, I defended modern architecture with all the passion I could muster. Sir Simon Jenkins, proposing the motion, almost won me over, ebcause he raised the issue of skyscrapers and the London Skyline. But as I said to Sir Simon, the issue here is not about modern architecture, but about context. You can design a great building but if it is in the wrong place, it becomes an eyesore.
Leslie Ferris said on June 21st, 2007 at 2:21 pm:
Good for you Ed! I totally agree. Simon Jenkins, from what I have heard, is not in favour of ANY highrise architecture no matter where it is.
It is a good thing then, going on your arguments, that the Shard is not in the wrong location. After watching Peter Ackroyd’s show about London the other day, it has been re-afirmed that the Shard is far enough away from any worlds heritage sites to not cause damage to cherished views or over shadow them. What IS in the wrong location however, is the Potters Fields development. If you spoke out against Potters fields, and of course the dreaded Thistle Hotel, as opposed to going on a wild goose chase against The Shard that is ultimately doomed to failure, you would gain all of my respect and support.
Potters Fields image:
http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/804SherlockHolmesBacksPottersFieldsCampaign_pic1.jpg