Hotel windows

One way in which climate change is affecting the design of buildings is in the increasing prevalence of permanent or semi-permanent shading of windows on new buildings. These also offer design elements through not only the structures themselves, but also in the shadows that they throw on walls. Here is an example I saw in Gloucester. The photograph shows examples in Minehead, Somerset.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Nikon Z 5

Trees and the city - 1

Walking past 100 Liverpool Street, the multipurpose new edifice near Liverpool Street railway station, London, I looked up and noticed a young tree peeping over the top of the building. I imagine there is a space on the roof open to some of the occupants where people take a break, eat lunch, or have a coffee. The contrast between the natural form of the tree and the man-made form of the building was stark. Perhaps in the fullness of time it, and its companions will take root and soften what is currently an expanse of concrete, glass and steel. As I looked at the tree I couldn't help but compare it with the tree in the next post.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Lumix FZ1000 2

Shell Centre, London

The 27 storey Shell Centre was built in 1957-62 and was the first London building to exceed the height of the Victoria Tower of the Palace of Westminster. On completion it was the UK's tallest building, surpassing the Royal Liver building in Liverpool. It is faced with Portland stone, has bronze framed windows, and is the work of the architect Sir Howard Robertson. At the time of its construction it was derided by modernist architects who saw it as echoing the pre-war style of other London buildings. However, though it may be dull and backward looking its exterior has lasted better than most of the buildings erected during those years.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Lumix FZ1000 2