More Comment – Page 322
-
Opinion
Higher fees won’t ease planning flaws
The idea that developers should pay to fast-track their planning applications and the inference that this might lead to more compliant decisions has provoked debate about the process and the “log jam” that exists in many authorities, overwhelmed by applications.
-
Opinion
Thames Gateway reaches a dead end
Is it time to reconsider the whole form, scale and concept of the Thames Gateway? It makes some sense to plan for development south of the estuary (but not as far south as Sittingbourne), since there are links with the Continent, but to the north of the estuary, the “corridor” ...
-
Opinion
Lacking landmark
The weakness of the Scottish Parliament building is that it looks too provincial. What’s needed is a parliament building that draws the mind when you think of Scotland and Edinburgh, as does the Opera House when you think of Australia and Sydney.Scottish architects should put their heads together to produce ...
-
Opinion
Nothing new
It is indicative of today’s architecture that a building so high on whimsy and that cost a bomb contains not a single piece of commissioned art worthy of mention. The architect’s ego has to be ever present everywhere. This passes for “poetry”.And the Scottish Parliament building’s much-vaunted originality could only ...
-
Opinion
Park legacy
I was fascinated to read Robert Adam’s letter (Letters October 14) not only because Adam has himself made a career out of replicating the style of 18th and 19th century classicism, but also because I fear he has missed the point of the Lake District National Park Authority’s comments.Planning officer ...
-
Opinion
Charlie’s slant
I applaud the decision of planners in the Lake District to promote “bold, modern design”.
-
Opinion
Accepting help
I am somewhat bemused by your reporting of my company’s work in Princes Street, Edinburgh (News October 28).
-
Opinion
Spending power
Regarding claims of Wimpey’s payments to Ashford Borough Council in return for quicker planning decisions (News October 28), this is surely a conflict of interest and an example of a wealthy organisation using its cash to bend the rules. But is it so different from a Section 106 planning gain ...
-
Opinion
Market forces
I cannot see what all the fuss is about with Wimpey’s Ashford scheme. It will still face the scrutiny of a planning committee, will still be bound to comply with local and national planning policy and the decisions reached will still be open to judicial review. Indeed with these safeguards ...
-
Opinion
The danger of Battersea’s collector’s club
Pigs flew over Battersea Power Station on the cover of Pink Floyd’s 1977 album Animals. Ever since, the odds of anyone successfully rehabilitating this incredible hulk have been the longest in the development business.
-
Opinion
Union power for the price of a pint
Often I find my views are dismissed by the establishment as the rantings of a maverick; a radical, or worse a malcontent.
-
OpinionJLB Matekofe
Famously conceived by Le Corbusier in three minutes, the UN building is an icon of the International Style of Doing Things
-
Opinion
Ashford deal threatens local democracy
Who is going to pay to sort out our beleaguered planning system? Ashford planners believe they have found a novel solution.
-
OpinionDick & Domme
Why do so many buildings look like genitalia? We’ve got a picture of one on the screen now...
-
Opinion
Good design is more than skin deep
What do commercial clients want most from their architects? Some useful accommodation, or a bit of magic?
-
Opinion
Clients, not public, benefit from PPPs
Do architects work for the public interest or for private enterprise? Before you answer “both, of course”, take a close look at the goings on down at the Elephant & Castle regeneration project in south London.
-
Opinion
Babs Windsor
Opened buildings all day with big scissors, in a hat. Waved to crowds, who waved back. Result.
-
Opinion
Perfect Saturday TV – heroes and villains
I approached Channel 4’s coverage of the 2005 Stirling Prize with trepidation. Firstly, a two-hour programme about architecture, although my pet interest, does not necessarily make great Saturday night television.