info would be really appreciated + would help me with writing my thesis!
THANKS... Ané

By avdw_student at 17:50 on 29/11/11

Re-post

I'm not keen on it! It looks like it's made of Lego. Windows are often the nicest part of a building, for us simple folk at least, and they aren't really a feature on this - they sort of play second fiddle to the brickwork. It's a bit like a shrunken tower block.

By MadamRed at 12:01 on 09/12/11
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thanks for replying!... do you live near this building?
you'd think they'd want to get away from the associations of a tower block for new (and hopefully nicer) housing!
also, it would have been flipping cool if it were actually made out of lego- like james may's house... http://tinyurl.com/3q8w33o
(it even has a lego bread bin!)

(sorry if this sounds a bit geekish) but its interesting that you refer to everyday people/the public as 'simple folk'. so can i assume you feel the people who designed it are complex?
(i've mainly asked this question because i'm also trying to find out what people think about architects! or if they even know what architects do.)

and again, thank you so much for replying. Ané

By archi_student at 10:12 on 10/12/11
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I live near it and think it's horrible - totally lacking in character. Seven Sisters Rd is being gradually redeveloped but no thought process seems to be going into the overall look. I have just assumed that the building has been designed by people who are keen to build something quickly and cheaply.

By Crewey at 11:35 on 10/12/11
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I once worked for a town planning consultancy that shared an office and worked closely with a team of architects, so when I make the distinction between them and 'simple folk' I mean that I understand there are considerations in designing a building that go beyond the aesthetic, or the things that the passer-by may be concerned about.

I think architects have, often, very big challenges, particularly in London. I wouldn't say architects were especially 'complex', but I would suggest that - like any skilled trade - they have to consider things that other people don't realise. Doesn't mean they should build ugly buildings though!

By MadamRed at 12:14 on 10/12/11
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yeah, i don't think i worded that eloquently enough (sorry madamred!)....

i think what i was trying to get at was that architects have to try to consider + balance lots of things when designing- its what they trained for at uni.
but i sometimes feel architects aren't on the same 'wavelength' as the general public, and maybe its because their training + job makes them think differently, (different in a way that they can get a bit exclusive/self-involved?)
hence this quote is quite interesting-
"(there's a) perception amongst much of the general public that the architecture profession is aloof, elitist and remote."
http://tinyurl.com/cp4wepx

soooo, because architects + the public aren't on the same wavelength, buildings which architects praise for being simple + beautiful
the general public think is ugly (thaks for the reply, CREWEY!) ...

basically, i'm trying to find out why theres a contradiction between what the 2 groups like, how it evolved, and how (or even if) it can be solved.
obviously everyone should have different tastes + opinions, but generally the public should like new buildings around them!

By archi_student at 13:34 on 10/12/11
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sorry for rambling, but found this article thats quite interesting!

Its from the Evening Standard (so a non-architect-y paper), talking about how London needs "characterful" places... and says this Finsbury Park building is a "great example of contemporary housing in London that use(s) appropriate materials, respect(s) local context and understand(s) architectural history"

exactly the opposite of what Crewey thinks... and surely your opinion counts more because you actually live near it?!

MadamRed thinks it looks like lego, and the housing minister agrees! "Housing minister Grant Shapps weighed in, decrying the "Legoland" character of much new housing"
http://tinyurl.com/cnmmksh

(thanks for replying guys, i really appreciate it!)

By archi_student at 13:44 on 10/12/11
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