Reply To: Royal Dublin Hotel

I would hesitate using the Gaudi arguement as Barcelona is fortunate in having a very uniform look. The Gaudi style is everywhere.

However look at what is proposed for O’Connell Street by way of new developments.
The Millenium Mall – may have died a death, may not – but it was hardly cutting edge architecture and I am sure Gaudi would be turning in his grave at the thought of constructing such an ugly behemoth being put up on the Ramblas.

Schuh is not that bad and it looks better than you would expect because the terrace is is on is so bland and uninteresting.

I would almost bet my life savings that the RDH will opt for a bland uninteresting and relatively inexpensive design for its new facade….remember the brown marble and brass front they put up a few years ago.

I think you have put across a very convincing arguement Graham although I take my arguement mainly from the fact that nothing modern (ie 1960s onwards) has lived up to the standards that should apply to O’Connell Street.