Posted by  Richard Haut on May 01, 2002 at 13:05:42:

In Reply to:  Re: Boston Tea Party posted by JWmHarmon on May 01, 2002 at 12:43:40:

JWm

leaving aside the question of whether or not Americans should now pay that outstanding tea-tax to Her Majesty's Treasury, regrettably there is a serious aspect for contemporary British architects and architecture in the anti-US ravings that we are witnessing.

what you are seeing is a fairly typical example of how too many in Britain actually view architects, architecture, contemporary design or indeed any form of progress.

when a memorial was proposed to the memory of Princess Diana - whose death caused a terrific emotional reaction in Britain, it was intended to be something modest. A child's playground with some form of memorial in Kensington Gardens (the western side of Hyde Park). An intensive, and abusive, campaign was started and - because it included many of the well-connected - the scheme was squashed.

anything new gets jeering and opposition - the destruction of new ideas is seen by many as an "achievement". Grim, isn't it ?

the result ? a lack of hospitals; a lack of schools; a lack of care facilities; a lack of housing; public transport systems so neglected that they are considered by many to be physically dangerous.

as you are rightly suggesting, if one is forever looking the wrong way, where is the progress ?

Responses:

• How many British view architects, architecture, contemporary design mdp 13:30:45 5/01/2002 (3)
  • Re: How many British view architects, architecture, contemporary design bsp 20:04:56 5/01/2002 (2)
    • Re: How many British view architects, architecture, contemporary design bsp 04:51:46 5/02/2002 (0)
    • Re: How many British view architects, architecture, contemporary design mdp 23:56:12 5/01/2002 (0)

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