Douglas Read's Comments
Comment on: Ungagged Olympic architects named
All very well - but a bit late in the day.
Comment on: Reduced fees and falling salaries: Welcome to the ‘new economy’
It would be interesting to see how the London based responses compared to those from outwith London.
Comment on: Bercott's Academy was also far more courageous than its replacement
As another former pupil of Hermitage, 1966-69 when it was brand new, I can only partially agree with Rory. Sure it was a bold sculptural statement to reflect the age, but it had many practical flaws. Pupil circulation was a nightmare, heating was pretty much hit and miss and the toilet windows barely opened at all. On the other hand it does seem to have produced a fair number of Architects amongst its FPs - maybe that means something, but what? Its replacement probably reflects the current age in its own way.
Comment on: The end for building regs as we know them?
It's not the regulations - it's the money. If you reckon that doing away with Planning and Building Regulations are going make a difference to the construction industry then you are in for a big disappointment. Instead of wsting money on quangos the government would be better to kick start the economy with a rolling programme of new social housing.
Comment on: We seem unable to treat designers with the credit they are due
As you say Paul, quite apart from the simple fact that the various Architects and designers deserve praise which they have so clearly earned; the impact on exports and jobs would have been incalculable. It has time the government - of whatever party - realised how much British design earns abroad and helped rather than hindered the cause.
Comment on: Shock as Scottish practice offers rock bottom fees on Groupon
It's a marketing strategy; it's an initial consultation. How many of us go a long way down the line with no fee certain? The final fee for any job that comes out of it will have to be agreed. Good luck to them!
Comment on: Lighting design pioneer Jonathan Speirs dies
Jonathan will be very much missed. He was one of the most talented designers around globally. He was one of the most delightful, friendly, modest and humerous people I have ever had the joy of knowing. He lit up the world in more ways than one.
Comment on: Grundtvig’s Church, probably the best brick building in the world
Dudok's Hilversum Town Hall must be in the running!
Comment on: Nick Clegg: VAT cut on refurbs 'too expensive'
Strange that he should think a VAT cut is too expensive when it would seem very likely that the increased take in tax paid due to a reduction in the black economy would more than offset the reduction in VAT.
Comment on: The buildings of 2011 - as chosen by you
While these are all terrific projects it's hardly "as chosen by you"; it's "as chosen by leading figures". How about a straightforward readers' choice where the only rule is that can't vote for your own practice? It might be interesting to see if any less well publicised projects make the top ten.
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