Architecture news

• A cultural manifesto to breathe new life into our dying high streets | Letter

  08-02-2024 19:18
  
  Flexible auditoriums and art displays from museums could help to revive urban community spaces, says Peter HigginsEs Devlin’s provocation opens a fascinating debate on large, empty retail sites (‘Engage their curiosity’: immersive art can boost UK high streets, says artist, 28 January) . The deal breaker is, of course, about a funding model: the financial imperative of landlords and managing agents, and the demise of local authority support are critical blockages. We need to in
  
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• Expensive and loathed, ‘the Slab’ will be a terrible monument. It’s being called Gove Towers and he deserves it | Simon Jenkins

  08-02-2024 18:11
  
  The London megabuilding given the go-ahead this week is a giant symbol of profit over communityThe Slab is to rise after all. What is clearly intended as the most prominent office block in central London will dominate the bend in the River Thames directly opposite Somerset House and the Temple. Two glass and concrete slabs, one rising 20 storeys, will replace the London Studios tower between the National Theatre and the Oxo Tower. They will form the fulcrum of every view between St Paul’s
  
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