Architecture news

• Richard Rogers and engineers’ key role in the Pompidou Centre | Letters

  26-12-2021 18:45
  
  Kate Macintosh on the innovative engineering of the building in Paris, and David Cockayne on the architect’s contributions to domestic housing designOliver Wainwright’s otherwise well-balanced obituary for Richard Rogers (19 December) omits the key role that engineers played in his early success in realising the Pompidou Centre. In particular Peter Rice (of Arups) was responsible for researching the great strength of cast steel, used for the huge gerberette connections between column
  
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• ‘A blast of joy, energy and invention’ – in praise of Richard Rogers

  26-12-2021 12:00
  
  The Observer’s architecture critic pays tribute to a charismatic trailblazer whose courage and vision changed British architectural practice for goodOne way to understand Richard Rogers is as a man who wanted everything. He wanted beautiful new buildings, a fair and civilised society and success for himself and his friends and collaborators. He was generous and tough, romantic and political. He wanted to be in the middle of it all. Such wishes made for a lifetime of majestic achievement, a
  
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• Oxford Street buildings through time – photo essay

  26-12-2021 07:00
  
  The rise and uncertain future of London’s favourite Boxing Day street with a 300-year history ranging from pig pens and pubs, rogues and billionaires, to the last word in retail experienceLondon’s Oxford Street is undergoing a painful reinvention as some of its biggest names close their doors. House of Fraser is expected to leave in January, while Debenhams, Topshop, French Connection and Gap are already shuttered. While there are no guarantees for the future, there is hope in the fa
  
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