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Yes, that is the sad part, that modern technology and materials could be applied to a better standard of building than we see around us, while still being affordable. But certain paradigms tend to stick. The box has stuck around for a long time now and has become almost synonymous with modern architecture, to such a degree that people have difficulty imagining anything else.

As you rightly say, I think partial salvation lies in computer rendering tools, which makes it easier to experiment with other styles at a low cost, and opens the door to more artistically minded architects.

That may be part of the problem that the unavoidable specialisation of professions and disciplines through the years has broken the ties that once bound architects to the craftsman/artist profession they were once a part of. Remember that the great architects of the Renaissance were also painters, sculptors and whatnot besides designing buildings.

Of course, in this case a remedial course in structural engineering might be in order for the architect too...

Bitsofnews.com Giving you the latest bits.

by Alexander G Rubio (alexander.rubio@gmail.com) on Wed Jan 4th, 2006 at 05:43:24 PM EST
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So what do you think of the pretty original buildings in London, like the Lloyds headquarters (done I think by the same guy as Beaubourg in Paris, his name escapes me right now, with all the "entrails" on the outside) or the Gherkin, or a number of others?

And what do you think of La Grande Arche in Paris?

In the long run, we're all dead. John Maynard Keynes

by Jerome a Paris (etg@eurotrib.com) on Wed Jan 4th, 2006 at 05:53:58 PM EST
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The Loyds Building would be Richard Rogers if I remember correctly, who, as you said did the Beaubourg with Renzo Piano. Of the two, I must say I prefer the Loyds headquarters, as a building, but find it less well integrated with its surroundings than the Centre Pompidou. It's like something out of "Bladerunner" fell out of the sky and crushed an old bank while threatening to devour the neighbouring ones when it's done digesting.

As regards the arch, I'm conflicted. It does fit the surroundings though.

Bitsofnews.com Giving you the latest bits.

by Alexander G Rubio (alexander.rubio@gmail.com) on Wed Jan 4th, 2006 at 06:07:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]
That the inspired part... and the expensive one. The Arch was expensive for sure, and I don't know for the the Lloyd's, but I could have added The Gherkin, where every single piece must have the right curvature, no standards...
That is exactly what I intend with computer value added instead of computer value substracted.

La répartie est dans l'escalier. Elle revient de suite.
by lacordaire on Thu Jan 5th, 2006 at 04:20:17 AM EST
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