London - Full Summary of Projects 21

[vank]

We can't quote the whole post.
But I think the best way is that users post projects under the posttitle (UPDATE FIRST POST: NAME PROJECT)
After the update, moderators can delete that post. After a few days/weeks we will get an accurate thread that we also can use in the international section.

All projects above 100m. can get a description with photo.
All other projects under the height of 100m. can be placed in 'Other projects'.

[delores]

just found this proposal by make architects that destroy the interesting roof of this Leicester square building with an odd mansard monstrosity. http://www.makearchitects.com/#/projects/6662/

[RMB2007]

Before:



After:

[jamiefearon]

I like it, big improvement.

[mouldss@hotmail.co.u]

Not to keen on finely crafted very expensive bay windows then.

[DarJoLe]

The original plan was to demolish it entirely so I wouldn't complain too much...

[ill tonkso]

They are completely destroying its solid form... everything below where the stonework finishes (and the little tower) should be retained. The existing bay windows give the building a sense of depth and detail, this is being compromised to gain what looks like about a 2sq ft per window... They are genuinely ruining it.

[Langur]

Ugh what an awful proposal. It should be blocked. They are ruining the window details, the corner clock, and the roof, and no doubt in 20 years they'll apply to demolish it altogether because the alterations have reduced its heritage integrity or some such. It makes me feel sick...

[ill tonkso]

I don't think developers understand how important the roofline is to a development. This is a building that uses bold angles and shapes to give it solidity, parking a giant curved mass on top just doesn't fit it and looks tacked on.

[tuten]

And where are EH this time?

[ill tonkso]

I am tempted to email them after I finish teaching my next class. I will post the draft on here if anyone wishes to add their name.

[tuten]

Just sign 'from every self respecting architecture enthusiast'

[jake-potato]

I believe this is my first post in this section, but allow me to say that this an absolutely shocking proposal devoid of creativity and understanding of the built environment.

The awful roof is what naturally first draws the attention, but then you notice the bodge job on the masonary on the 5th and 6th floor, including the clock face and copper focus.

Then you start to see the cheap looking 60's styled window frames, and then the omission of the first floor altogether - the windows are replaced with grills.

Yet most critical of all is the bastardisation of the ground floor where it would appear that the McD's side is one giant glazed front, with columns ripped out in favour of glass in the exact same spots.


The more I think about it, and remember their UBS building, the more I realise that Make trully are amongst the gutter of the architecture profession.

[jamiefearon]

Guess I'm the only one who likes it then

[ill tonkso]

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to ask if English Heritage is aware of the planned architectural vandalism at London’s Leicester Square, as highlighted here [1] at skyscrapercity.com
This building is a classic example of Portland Stone Architecture and this development threatens to destroy several key features of the design. Namely:

1: The Bay Windows which add depth and detail to the facade.
2: The angular, pronounced roofline.
3: The Copper work on the corner clock tower which draws the eye towards the clock itself.

The proposed alterations are insensitive to the original design and compromise the architectural harmony of the surrounding streetscape. Several forumers at Skyscrapercity are in agreement that this is not an appropriate development.

Regards
Daniel Tonks Msc
Skyscrapercity.com

What does everybody think?

[ill tonkso]

Originally Posted by DarJoLe

The original plan was to demolish it entirely so I wouldn't complain too much...

I would be surprised if such a proposal ever got past the pre-planning phase.

[DarJoLe]

I'm not sure where it compromises the architectural harmony of the surrounds when its roof design is deliberately intended to marry the curves of the W Hotel to the curves of the other MAKE proposal for the Odeon on the corner of Leicester Square. If you mean the Thistle Hotel behind it, that's up for a similar long term refurbishment and reconstruction of its top floors, as are most of the buildings around this area over the next decade.

The glazing at the base was demanded by the client to attract a high spec retailer, similar to how the frontage of the eastern end of Oxford Street has been remodelled to accommodate the requirements of Primark's retail frontage.

[ill tonkso]

The whole thing doesn't work with the existing building. It goes bold and angular to curvy, it sits awkwardly at best.

[ill tonkso]

Emailed. I suggest others to the same.

[DarJoLe]

I checked the planning application, English Heritage are very aware of the development - they worked with MAKE on its design.