Comments on: The Gentle Author At RIBA

By: Roger Carr

Roger Carr — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 23:02:54 +0000

The legacy of fat Boris.

By: pauline taylor

pauline taylor — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 15:56:55 +0000

Good luck with this project GA, we all support you in your efforts to highlight this appalling modern attempt to silence those of us who protest at the wanton destruction of buildings that should be preserved for future generations to enjoy. Heaven alone knows what they will say about facadism, no doubt very rude words indeed will be used as it is nothing but a national disgrace! We have not had to endure anything like this where I live but beautiful buildings have been demolished in the past to be replaced by 1950s so called architecture which now features in books which aim to demonstrate just how bleak and featureless such buildings are. This monstrosity is in our High Street next door to our magnificent Town Hall. The building which was destroyed was the Cups Hotel and only last week our local newspaper ran an article reporting on the overwhelming opposition that the council faced at the time; everything was ignored and they began the demolition before an application for listed building status could be obtained. Every one who lived in Colchester at the time still talks about it as the start of a serious decline in our council’s behaviour with regard to the demolition of large parts of our heritage. We are having to fight every step of the way as you do in London so I wish you every success in your attempts to make everyone aware of the pitiful facadism. Well done and good luck.

By: Graham Bradley

Graham Bradley — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 14:27:24 +0000

I knew nothing about this trend which says a lot why are these things Kept Secret it’s usually because of dodgy money and a complete lack of concern for Heritage and what people who live in the area really want or need

By: Annie G

Annie G — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 11:10:01 +0000

Agreed. Facadism is just a sop; to stop the protestors who despise the money-orientated destruction and to pretend that what remains is in any way meaningful. One imagines that the people behind all this do not live in facades – their money will be spent on homes of beauty. The White Hart in Bishopsgate – what a travesty.

By: Chaim

Chaim — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 10:05:17 +0000

I think the facade in Spitalfields was in the former Dorset Street. If so, it has been demolished.

By: Phil Maxwell

Phil Maxwell — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 09:23:37 +0000

Grotesque destruction of heritage in the pursuit of money. Good luck with your talk!

By: Georgina Briody

Georgina Briody — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 09:16:59 +0000

It saddens me to see this every growing practice continue especially in the City of London/Spitalfields with the destruction of such wonderful interiors.

By: Peter Holford

Peter Holford — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 08:36:43 +0000

Best of luck in this venture, GA. It is a trend that needs challenging and I hope you get a positive reception. Much of this trend is about laziness – the avoidance of having to work to produce plans that make the most of an old building. There is also the expectations of the client of course. It can be so different – the old town hall in our nearest town, Oldham, was neglected and allowed to decay. The first suggestion was to keep the facade and demolish the rest. Fortunately a very impressive young council leader saw things differently and the building has been redeveloped keeping the outstanding internal features while finding a new community use as a multiplex. Not my choice but one which which is self-financing and safeguards the building.

By: Jan Toms

Jan Toms — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 06:53:30 +0000

This looks positively mouth watering! I am sending the details to friends in London. I love the word FACADISM.

By: Valerie-Jael

Valerie-Jael — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 05:50:58 +0000

Those facades always look awful. Valerie