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Commonwealth Institute plan hits snag over offices
Rowan Moore, Architecture Critic16.01.09
A PLAN to rescue the former Commonwealth Institute building has been thrown into confusion after English Heritage called for the entire site to be preserved.
Developers want to retain the Parabola - the distinctive tent-like pavilion - but demolish the office buildings, as part of a scheme to relocate the Design Museum. But in the confidential letter, English Heritage says the administration space is "an integral part of the listed building" and should be saved.
The letter to Kensington and Chelsea council argues that the borough's planning brief fails to treat the site in Kensington High Street "as a place of cultural heritage", and this "negatively impacts on social inclusion, equity, the promotion of equality and a respect for diversity".
It adds that the landscaping "requires consideration appropriate to its significance and its historic relationship with the exhibition building", while criticising the borough's approach on grounds of sustainability and biodiversity. If the council enforced all of English Heritage's recommendations, it would make current plans for the site impossible.
The Institute, listed at Grade II*, was opened in 1962. English Heritage say it is "one of London's most important post-war public buildings". It has been closed for more than a decade, and has been the subject of 15 studies and proposals.
Current plans, by developer Chelsfield and Dutch architects OMA, would see the demolition of the administration building and major changes to the original landscaping. The Design Museum, currently in Shad Thames in Southwark, would be relocated to the Parabola, and there would be three blocks of flats. The proposals followed lengthy consultation, including with English Heritage.
The building was designed by Roger Cunliffe, then a 26-year-old architect working for Robert Matthew, Johnson-Marshall and Partners. He would not comment on English Heritage's position. but said the design approach to the original building was "user-oriented; people first and building second".
English Heritage later appeared to be moving away from its position in the letter, which it called "fairly fierce". A spokesman said: "We understand it's a tricky issue ... for the greater good the administrative building might have to go." Chelsfield declined to comment.
Reader views (7)
I grow up going to the C.I, I meet the queen in the 70's there. Love learning about other countries, sad too see it not there anymore.
- Sandra K, London
"fails to treat the site in Kensington High Street "as a place of cultural heritage", and this "negatively impacts on social inclusion, equity, the promotion of equality and a respect for diversity". PC speak has reached new heights of absurdity. Also what exactly do they mean???
- Jeremy E, London
How sad to learn that The Commonwealth Institute as such no longer exists. It was a wonderful venue to visit back in the 60's when it would be thronged by excited children of all ages. Whatever plans are afoot should aim to restore the former prestige of the Institution and maintain the present structure which was after all designed with people in mind.
- Barry Mercer, Pickering, England
Having been to a couple of conferences and evening parties here I think the building is in need of a bit of TLC and a good architect could improve it greatly.
Dhanraj, was the world really more stable in the sixties and seventies? Just a quick look at the events of 1968 will confirm this to be untrue. What about the three day week, vietnam, the cold war, the list goes on.
- Paul, Orpington
Does anyone ask the question "fit for purpose?" anymore? If the building can be re-used good luck. If not replace it with something that can do the job. We can only afford a certain amount of sentimentality.
- W R Stevenson, London SE26
Why would anyone want to "save" this tasteless eyesore. There is nothing iconic about 1960s or 1970s architecture, the only driver was theat they be cheap and tacky. Bulldoze the lot and build affordable housing. As for "negatively impacts on social inclusion, equity, the promotion of equality and a respect for diversity". What a load of bureaucratic waffle, I guess this is the sort of thing one has to say to planners these days - but does anyone belive it?
- Joe, London
Hear hear, its an iconic 60's building which brings back memories of when the CW actually meant something and the world was a more stable place.
- Dhanraj, Basildon Essex
