egotistical architects

Well it’s official – we’re all egotistical monsters intent on doing nothing but make our mark on Dublin’s skyline.

This is according to an article in yesterday’s Times regarding high rise. I thought it was interesting that the planners aren’t totally against it. the problem seems to be – as DEGW found out – that no-one seems to agree on what would be a suitable “area” for a high rise. Some of it was disturbing though with 5 and 7 storey buildings being classed as high rise.

At least the article pointed out the irony of Tony Reddy’s comments where he used the “suitability” factor to justify his own little project for Treaury. I also found it ironic that other projects have been vetoed by The Georgian Society, one of whom’s prominent members is Mr. John Ronan.

Gerry Cahill made a good point – certainly from my experience – that in many cases architects are responding to the demands of clients whose expected densities result in an inevitable verticality of projects. We have also spent a great deal of time and money on impact studies which DO illustrate that some projects are not as intrusive as you might think but planners will bow to the concerns of the neighbours who seem to think that everyone in a top floor apartment spends all day with a telescope trained on their chimney. Architects can advise clients regarding the impact but if they dig in their heels….

I think, in all, it was a balanced article which came to no constructive conclusion.