Controversy over the Langstane development in The Square
The Langstane Housing Association development in
The Square has been causing a huge amount of controversy. It has been described
as a "monstrosity" and it has been suggested out that it sits uncomfortably
alongside the historic buildings nearby, including the 18th century Town
House.
Love it or loath it, the development is certainly
hard to ignore.
The building at the front has a traditional pitch roof and its height is similar to some of the taller buildings in The Square. But that is where the sympathy with the traditional fabric of The Square ends.
The main building at the front is out of step with the frontages of the buildings on either side, standing back further from the road. But what really stands out is the timber cladding on the upper gable, the top storey of the frontage and down either side of one corner. It probably would not look that out of place in Scandinavia (where timber facing is common) but it is certainly different in a historic square.
The building at the front has a traditional pitch roof and its height is similar to some of the taller buildings in The Square. But that is where the sympathy with the traditional fabric of The Square ends.
The main building at the front is out of step with the frontages of the buildings on either side, standing back further from the road. But what really stands out is the timber cladding on the upper gable, the top storey of the frontage and down either side of one corner. It probably would not look that out of place in Scandinavia (where timber facing is common) but it is certainly different in a historic square.
What disappoints me is that the design is:
• neither in keeping with the very
traditional buildings around The Square
• nor is it imaginative enough to stand out
as a modern day classic.
It's a traditional shaped block, on which some rather unimaginatively squared-off, timber-faced panels have been applied. (Not unlike the unconvincing wood panels stuck onto cheap cars to give them an aura of distinction.)
From the press coverage, it would appear that there may be issues surrounding an objection from the community council.
If so, it would seem that it is one of two neighbouring applications where the community council's views have not prevailed. The other was the approval by councillors, against the planners' recommendations, for an Indian carry-out a few doors along at the former newsagents.
What do you think of the Langstane development?
Do you think it is a monstrosity? Or is it a refreshing example of modern architecture in a sea of traditional granite.
Hit the FEEDBACK and give us your comments.
It's a traditional shaped block, on which some rather unimaginatively squared-off, timber-faced panels have been applied. (Not unlike the unconvincing wood panels stuck onto cheap cars to give them an aura of distinction.)
From the press coverage, it would appear that there may be issues surrounding an objection from the community council.
If so, it would seem that it is one of two neighbouring applications where the community council's views have not prevailed. The other was the approval by councillors, against the planners' recommendations, for an Indian carry-out a few doors along at the former newsagents.
What do you think of the Langstane development?
Do you think it is a monstrosity? Or is it a refreshing example of modern architecture in a sea of traditional granite.
Hit the FEEDBACK and give us your comments.
Posted: Thu - February 2, 2006 at 12:08 PM
Quick Links
Calendar
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
Categories
Archives
XML/RSS Feed
Statistics
Total entries in this blog:
Total entries in this category:
Published On: Apr 07, 2007 12:06 PM
Total entries in this category:
Published On: Apr 07, 2007 12:06 PM