Thursday 18 December 2008

Modern architecture

I've been eager to see the architect plans for the Plumstead Manor School tuck shop for a while and have been pointed in the direction of the school's own website. In place of the pub is a modern glass construction with contemporary topiary. Looks very generic suburban architecture [at this point, I'd like to invent a new word - genurbantecture] in the style of the sports centres in Beckenham and Crook Log, Bexleyheath.

This is modern architecture without being offensive, although some would protest that this glass proposal would be a carbuncle on the face of Plumstead Common. As an example of contemporary genurbantecture, I like it. Of course, it's not aping the classicism of the existing school building, but that's good. It's not sympathetic to the Victorian terraces, but I think it's sympathetic to the Common. Time moves on and design moves on.

I'd be interested to see how the building will eventually look.

2 comments:

Plummy Mummy said...

Oooh do you think from the common we mere common folk will be able to see students having their lunch in an arty way (eating sandwich in the style of King Lear).

Hold on sec, just read that back and its a bit creepy someone standing on the common watching the kids eat lunch. That won't be me. Too busy being in Tony's caff havin a cuppa.

P.S. Like the invention of new words as language must evolve

Anonymous said...

i was myself hoping they'd attempt to integrate the design a bit... old building to new.
not to copy the old building, but perhaps adding a few accents hinting some shape or theme from the old building. just a little nod within the new building, creating a little sense of continuity.
but then they'd need frank lloyd wright for that sort of postmodern architectural design concept.