Will Alsop - which direction now?

[Paul Clerkin]

In his latest article, Hugh Pearman asks "Everything seemed just great for Will Alsop only a little over six months ago. Having moved from architecture's bad-boy fringes to the mainstream via the Stirling Prize, his brand of startlingly unorthodox architecture and playful masterplans had served him well. He seemed to be going from strength to strength, in demand internationally. Then nemesis swept past, trailing a damaging vortex. Towards the end of the year, his practice went financially pear-shaped, long-serving directors left in a hurry, venture capitalists had to bail him out. So is it all up for our Will?"

What do you think?

[Paul Clerkin]

Actually Will's woes have made me think - what's the Peckham Library like now? How has it worn? Hugh?

[danedanielson]

I had the benefit of getting into the OCAD building in Toronto, also know as the salt and pepper box, during construction. The interior was surprisingly banal and consisted only of drywall with vinyl base and concrete. Does this kind of environment really foster creativity or is it the simply the stance that the building stands at 5 stories? Maybe it is this lack of responsibility for the core users that has thrown his practice into an unexpected spiral? Is there any work that proves the contrary?

[PVC King]

Alsop & Company will emerge they have the backing of some very successful clients

[Blisterman]

I like his use of colour, but the actual forms of his buildings could do with some work.