How to choose an architect Sir: The falsity of revivalist
building is no fal- lacy of the 1960s, it is an economic and functional fact. The preponderance of 20th century building types has no historical precedent. Motor-car factories, multi-storey apartment blocks, super- markets, laboratories and multi-storey car-parks did not figure on Sir Christopher Wren's job lists.
Even housing can no longer be faithfully re- produced in period style because of current build- ing regulations. In any case, why try? It cannot be done properly so why not enjoy genuine antiques but build the most up-to-date way we can, as well as we can?
Even if he had his lapses Wren obviously felt this way when he extended Hampton Court. It is the most brutal collision of periods I know and for this reason alone highly successful.
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