Architecture and interior design thread

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xDm5HfjnQbQ/TfzGQSa42EI/AAAAAAAAB9A/Z8TelR9WgV4/s1600/cgz-Biblioteca-de-Seatle-de-Rem-Koolhaas.jpg

I wouldn't have any problems with seeing that demolished, only they'll probably build something even worse in its place.

I don't know the school, architecturally, at all, but I knew a few people that went there and they speak very highly of it. It doesn't look like the most architecturally incredible place, but it is listed so I assume has some merit. Partly I posted as I wondered if anyone here did go and what they thought of the buildings. Personally, I don't believe only the cream of the crop, the really interesting, Grade I listed sort of buildings, should be saved. I'm a big fan of ordinary buildings that work well, and think that retaining and reusing them should always be the first option considered. Sometimes they need to go, but for me it should be reluctantly.

However, there's another question there, which is why a historically successful school needs to be 'transformed' architecturally in order to improve. It has had some below-par Ofsted inspections recently, and I like to believe in the transformative power of architecture as much as anyone, but I'm sceptical of much of the Inner-city Academy branding. The money and resources that will go into rebuilding the school, the irrevocable loss of much of the site... for what benefit? Are the existing buildings architecturally inadequate? By that I mean, they may be inadequate environments right now, but could it be fixed by maintenance or intelligent refurbishment or provision of equipment etc. Are there issues with management, teaching, organisation, delivery etc? (people-based issues, rather than building-based). Given the history of the school (emphasis on performing arts), there might also be an issue with how well they 'fit' with the Oftsed inspection format or system, but I wouldn't know about that.

I don't know much about the school or the proposals, I believe the campaign is partly an attempt to make the issues more visible and force genuine consultation. When it's gone, it's gone.

/foreverresistanttochange

OK, so is this either the demonstration of a sense of humour, or a deeply stupid and impractical insistence that 'lop-sided' living is what makes your neighbours envious these days?

It's not obvious to me as something similar is on show at St. Pancras. Up at the East Midlands platforms are a number of passenger benches which are mounted on an incline steep enough to make sitting uncomfortable and the benches themselves redundant. I don't know whether this was an oversight or a deliberate attempt to put the fun into sitting, which it doesn't. Naturally you slide off. This surely must have been accounted for in the plans, so why a flat-space couldn't be produced which would accommodate level benches is beyond me. It in an in-joke?

I'm guessing the argument to building control for why there is no handrail around the roof terrace is that because of the slope, you wouldn't walk up to the edge. so the slope is not, technically, supposed to be occupied. mmm hmm. perhaps it should have been a little steeper?

However, there's another question there, which is why a historically successful school needs to be 'transformed' architecturally in order to improve.

I can't comment on current education policy in detail, but every time I read something about it, it makes my stomach turn. There's no doubt that some schools need to be rebuilt, but I profoundly distrust that whole 'academy' programme.

I think the chair is there for demonstration of the roof slope and to show a bit of humour...

Its sloped up to harness south light into the light well...

http://www.juxtapoz.com/Gallery/half-graff/half-graff-tilt6-22240#half-graff-tilt6-22240

Botta up in this piece:

etc.

big up the botta. I have a sneaking suspision his life work has been inspired by roman helmets. Bring on the Venturi.

B.

Interesting thread, dare I ask is...anyone on here a Landscape Architect? (I did utfs)

The architect of the WISE building is talk at the Building Centre the week after next http://www.buildingcentre.co.uk/events/event_diary_details.asp?id=747

My photos of the building at http://www.flickr.com/photos/funny_cyclist/sets/72157624606789847/

http://fuckyournoguchicoffeetable.tumblr.com/

Pointer, my parents are. Does that count?

Couldn't resist posting this

Recently vistited LA and spent a morning touring Silverlake looking at Mid Century Modern single family homes from Richard Neutra, R.M. Schindler, John Lautner and Gregory Ain (mostly) - no interior tours (as they are peoples homes) but great to see some of these amazing houses and buildings

The Ohara House

Just got back from Barcelona, went to the Pompeu Fabra University Library. Super dope. Its an old water tower from 1874 that was partly designed by Gaudi and was refitted in 1993 by Lluís Clotet and Ignacio Paricio to function as the University library.

Fantastic, most of our trips include visits to libraries, would love to experience that one!
Your pics?

same here, love a good library, my pics indeed

Very nice work.
Pompeu Fabra Library is now on my list.

Here's another list:

http://becauseimaddicted.net/2012/01/25-of-most-beautiful-college-libraries.html

there are some great ones on there, the Humbolt uni one is such a great building.