The incurable optimist in me still wonders: could his yearnings about the built environment be more beneficially directed? Charles may have been at war with much of the architectural world for nearly 40 years, but might they not unite over what they have in common? They all want sustainable communities and good design. Architects and the monarch also have a shared enemy: the sacrifice of positive architectural qualities to housebuilders’ pursuit of profit. — The Guardian
Moore’s calls echo in some regard the statements made by housing secretary Michael Gove last year, in which he called for an openness to classicism given there is “no silver bullet to solve the housing crisis” domestically. Stirling Prize winners Mikhail Riches and Alison Brooks Architects are brought in as examples of those left out in the fray he created by virtue of his comments and status as an “unofficial addition” to the country's planning system.
“If he were to do anything more in the realm of architecture,” Moore writes, “it should be generous: He could praise those architects who, even if their style is not to his personal taste, dedicate energy and skill to making British towns and cities better places to live.”
Elsewhere, the Architects’ Journal reported that Norman Foster would also like a word with his new king.
1 Comment
A truce would be wonderful, but the title to Rowan's article is misleading at best. King Charles didn't ignite a battle of styles, rather he spoke in favor of traditional styles for the obvious reason that the public seems to like them. Unfortunately, this 'battle' has been turned into yet another culture war while architects continue to bicker about what is the 'legitimate' architecture of our time. Iin a diverse and pluralist society there's room for all opinions.
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