Thanks for the articles Gilliatt, they are quite enlightening. The thing that always strikes me about architectural writings is an air of preaching to the converted, by which I mean that a majority of people take only a passing interest in proposed new buildings and those who do are, by and large, architects or people connected with the subject. This can be seen in the adjectives used to describe projects either newly completed or pending. Words such as ''innovative, stunning, towering, glittering" etc etc. all used in a self-congratulatory message that tries to conceal the questionable impact that the design will have on the public. Of course people will start using shiny new facilities inside arts centres and other public buildings, that doesn't mean that the exterior is generally acceptable.
I had mentioned previously about the ATT Performing Arts Center which includes the Winspear Opera House (Norman Foster and Partners) and the Wyly Theater (designed by REX/OMA, Joshua Prince-Ramus and Rem Koolhaas). The grand opening festivities have begun and will continue for the next few weeks. Of course Foster wouldn’t miss an opportunity to take advantage of a captive audience to show off his wares. There are Foster films, lectures, and a display of his architectural models at the Nasher Sculpture Gardens and Gallery. To be honest, rumor has it that the models are quite spectacular. I plan to make a journey into Dallas soon along with my camera and will share some of the images at that time. Here are a few web articles and events you might find interesting: http://www.newsweek.com/id/216583 http://dallascfa.com/events/architec...e-gherkin.html http://www.nashersculpturecenter.org...itions/Current
Brian, Good to hear from you. I believe I had read that the current Embassy will be converted into a luxury hotel. Not meaning to belabor the aluminum eagle, but I am curious if the eagle was included by Saarinen in his original design or added by some other faction. Please keep me posted on the new embassy developments. I will do the same at my end. Regarding the “white tower”, let’s hope that it doesn’t even reach the drawing board. Based on the one grainy image I saw, it is entirely out of character both in color, context and proportion. Are there not zoning laws or the equivalent in London, which would limit the height of buildings? Here again we see a structure that rises significantly higher than the surrounding context. Looks like I exceeded the word count. Look for part two.
The 43 story tower may have been given the go-ahead by the High Court but the South Bank of the Thames has a history of proposed schemes biting the dust and all is not yet lost. It does not surprise me that Lord Rogers is involved and I daresay that after recent rejections he will do his utmost to get this one built but, as has been said, it would blight the area for generations to come. It may look like a low rent tenement block but the cost of renting in central London is exhorbitant which is, of course, its the raison d'etre.
Hi Gilliatt, Sorry not to have replied to your posts earlier but a technical hitch prevented me from accessing LitNet, but it seems to have been resolved now. Regarding the new U.S. embassy building, I honestly do not think that preserving the view of the Palace of Westminster from the proposed new site matters. After all, Nine Elms is essentially a large market. However, given the tendency of architects to cajole their paymasters into accepting designs that do not conform to public acceptance, I fear that the proposed building might turn out to be yet another example of inappropriate building design. As for the eagle, I don't think it will be retained as part of the original building and may find a position incorporated in the new embassy . Concerning the statue of Eisenhower, I think it should remain in Grosvenor Square or possibly transfer to Parliament Square among other historic figures.
In regards to the “act of architectural vandalism”: Here is an excerpt from the article you posted: “The tower was proposed by Coin Street Community Builders,… It was backed by architects including Lord Rogers and Sir Terry Farrell.” It seems that Lord Rogers is either center stage or lurking in the wings when it involves controversial architecture in London. The proposed design, as it appears in the superimposed image, comes off as a low rent tenement with tacky coiling window shades fixed in various positions. Again; it would seem that the height is an issue as well. In this case, it looks as though the project will move forward.
Hello Brian, Thanks for the architectural updates. I made a cursory review of the items you mentioned. Speaking about the U.S. Embassy, a recent BBC article states: “The building's height has still to be determined but will be in the region of 15 to 20 storeys. The final design will have to preserve existing views of the Palace of Westminster.” Will 15 to 20 stories in height be in line with the surrounding context of buildings? From a security standpoint, I would think that one would want to avoid a structure that stands out taller than the surrounding buildings. I am curious to know if the large aluminum eagle on the current embassy will remain where it is or be incorporated into the new design? And what about Ike?
Hello Brian, I put in a friend request and hope to join your list. It has been some time since we discussed architecture. Keep me apprised on the latest developments in London. I'll do the same from over here. I'm intrigued by your work. Gilliatt
