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CABE was a nice idea, and did much good work, but quite apart from the fact that we can no longer afford it, it did to some degree lose its way. To give one instance - which can stand for several - in 2009 CABE joined the RIBA and the rest of our arrogant architectural establishment in campaigning against possible demolition of those brutal lumps of concrete, Robin Hood Gardens, even though demolition was wanted by 80% of residents. Lord Rogers, from his lovely 200 year-old house in Chelsea, actually described these widely hated buildings as ‘beautifully designed’ and ‘a great example of the best postwar architecture’ (he did, I’m not joking!). Once finance permits we need a new start, with a more sensible organisation that better represents the interests of the public.

Maritz Vandenberg