I rather like the sunlight reflecting on it from the glass office block across the road.But I was particularly struck by the juxtaposition of Gibson Hall with Tower 42 behind it and wandered off to look for similar examples.
We Architects get around the "You can't build that there, you twats!" argument by telling the planners that the new building "carries on an interesting conversation" with the old …In other words: "I know it's completely out of character with its surroundings and totally destroys all sense of massing, symmetry and character, but hey! I'm the Architect and you're just a know-nothing Philistine, so bugger off!"
It takes us years of training to be able to design what the hell we want and plonk it in the middle of some nice old buildings.
We do so love to annoy conservation groups and local residents, and especially Prince Charles.
Hee hee …
Here's the last Victorian building in Gracechurch Street; the Swan Tavern. Notice how the buildings either side are designed in complete harmony and sympathy.
And here's the poor old Albert pub on Victoria Street … with a subtle little extension out the back.
Hoorah for the Gherkin! I love that building, but it does kind of "carry on an interesting conversation" with Saint Helen's Church in the foreground.Note also how well the Tokio Marine skyscraper on the right complements the little Georgian house next door.
I love my job.
13 comments:
Great pics, Boss! Reminds me a lot of the 'conversations' happening in Tokes. Most of which, of course, I can't understand, either.
Cheers, you've inspired a new photo project.
Excellent!
Get that camera clicking, GG.
And watch out for those pesky peanuts!
I can't believe that "carries on an interesting conversation" line really works.
I think I'm going to use it in my own work someday. "I know you're not supposed to prescribe these medications together, but I think the resulting hives will carry on an interesting conversation with the soon to be dry mouth and constipation."
Why should architects get to have all the fun?
Hee hee.
That's an excellent idea, Terroni.
And we Architects do indeed have a lot of fun. Imagine the brainstorming for the gherkin: "Hey! Let's build an enormous cock right in the middle of London!"
Oh you made me kind of sad with these pics, Dive, as i do love our historic buildings. Think of the people, the lives, the progress that has been seen by them. Not to say all modern buildings are bad, not at all, but to delight in placing them at the disadvantage of the traditional ones. Why, Dive? Why.
Because we CAN (I don't know how to type a Dick Dastardly evil cackle, but feel free to insert one here).
OMG DB! You said, "COCK!"
Hope Mum isn't reading!
Tut-tut!
LOL!
;)
HEY! THE GHERKIN!!!!!! WOOHOOOOOOOOO!
"Because we can." Oh Dive.
Actually i've posted some fine examples of solid historic architecture myself today. Victorian i'm pretty sure but will be guided by you of course.
Lynn: I spent most of my architectural career in conservation so I have tremendous sympathy with historic buildings (I still look after the Royal High School in Bath, which you may well know as it's in your neck of the woods).
But I also love and UNDERSTAND modern architecture, which is why my "modern" buildings win awards (he boasted) hee hee.
Those in today's post are simply ridiculous examples taken out of context (like most things "Dive" does, as opposed to me).
Ah. Your alter ego. Again. lol. Well it's good to get some sort of explanation as to why you think that way thanks. I too enjoy some modern architecture very much and i always say if i won the lottery and could buy any house i like i'm really not sure whether i'd go for 17th century or bang up to date with sleek, clean lines and yes you guessed it, white white white. LOL.
I'm glad to see things are still looking up for you dive. Some of those shots remind me of Boston.
Boston looks a lovely place, Rich.
And if any of you other guys don't yet haunt Rich's photoblog, the link is in my sidebar under |Beautiful Boston".
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