Architecture

  • Building restoration

    In London buildings line every street and bend around all corners. At least it’s the impression we get as we walk by. A dip into a park changes that, but it’s a reality.

    If you want to visit properly it’ll entail a lot of building works, as well as stuff to look at on the outside. There are saints, swords, and sinners in all parts of town.

    Mounted Cabin
    Finished Effect
    Windows Protected
    Facade Ready

    This creates a problem too, in that general air pollution grates against the facade and stains the outside of it.

    In comes the work to wash off the dirt, grit, and soot to restore it to like new. It looks mechanical and heavy duty. I suppose decades of cars zooming past does it.

    It makes a huge difference, and freshens it up. Its appeal is restored, and tourists can admire the architecture once again.

  • The state of dereliction

    The state of the UK’s high streets is obvious, but elsewhere it’s a similar narrative.

    In the byways and highways of our places of residence, the ghosts of buildings past haunt our ways.

    Of course, these are not the only types of building around; there are shops, offices, and health centres, by example.

    These are just some of the uses we have for a built infrastructure.

    However, there are those of us who want things to be done with such derelict features.

    Their uses are starting to come through.

    A community centre is a vital need, as is more affordable accommodation for those in the community. Our arts needs are more than catered for.

    In my view, right now our needs are more fundamental than those of before; we need jobs, infrastructure, and the means by which to keep it going.

    If we don’t do this, who’ll want to live here?

  • Empty buildings mark our landscape

    If you walk around a town in England today, a familiar sight are the hoardings.

    There are old shops fronts still there, and empty shop units missing shelves of shoes or bedding.

    It’s a sight that blights more towns than you might at first appreciate.

    Take for example the photos below, and you’ll get my point. This isn’t a new building or a modern unit for a quick coffee shop.

    It has some history about it, and character.

    Heavy Frames
    A Blocked Door
    Upper Floors
    Latticed Windows

    Yet, it’s empty.

    My affront is not at the sight of it – or its ‘look’ – but a question of what it means.

    Do these types of building not fit anymore, or suit our modern tastes? Is it about our comfort over “mod cons”, and eschewing of the old and fuddy-duddy?

    It may not be, but it’s an interesting omission in a nation of old and ageing towns.

  • Royal palaces on show

    The luscious architecture of English royal houses is on display for all to see.

    A visit to Kensington Palace, for example, is a display of this fine elegance on show.

    A birthplace of Queen Victoria, and home to modern royals, it also sports exhibitions, eating places, and grounds to explore.

    A Side View
    A Small Portico

    This isn’t its only lustre, however.

    It’s also a place to meet, and it continues to be a prime spot in London to get together.

    I can imagine the conversations that people have in The Orangery, or on a tour of its lawns or fountains.

    London is a great place to sit outdoors, if the sun is out, of course.