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Most people have heard of Prince Charles' architectural experiment, Poundbury, and most people have a view about it. Unfortunately opinion is often prejudiced, coloured by the man rather than the development. This is a bit of a shame because what is being built on the outskirts of Dorchester is at least worth a good look, if only to have an informed, rather than biased, opinion.
More about Poundbury will follow...
I believe the first architect was an Italian, and the influence shows. Not well to my eye. The outer details might be of interest, but they are tacked onto modern boxes. I believe inside they are like rabbit hutches, with many bathrooms. Bedrooms often have such sloping walls that they cannot take chests of drawers or wardrobes, and forget the idea of fitting in a piano downstairs.
ReplyDeleteThere are two parallel communities at Poundbury, challenged families in the social housing bit, living alongside older wealthier retired incomers who can afford the prices asked. There seem to be no young middle class there. But if you dont have kids it could be "awfully nice", and so convenient to have a Waitrose so close at hand.
Hi
DeleteYes I think Poundbury far from perfect but it does seem to be unfairly singled out for criticism.
I totally agree with all your observations but at least its a stab at creating a humane environment for humans rather than simply an ego trip for architects who have absolutely no sensitivity of situation and no tuition in the use of surface decoration to soften the environment . For an interesting compare and contract look at the brewery Square development at the other end of the town...soulless 'mall ' architecture by Piers Gough who should know better.
Don't get me wrong... I'm not a traditionalist I just believe in architecture with humanity. The shame is, we have a population of 52 million plus people in Britain all living in houses, yet show me any examples of exciting and humane domestic architecture...I don't see any criticism of Barrats or McAlpine for their bland estates. Lets face i,t the evidence shows that architects are simply egotists more interested in impressing their friends by building monolithic towers like the Shard which have as much revelation to the ordinary person as Galliano to high street fashion!