British Architects at National Academy

Criticism by Lester Paul Korzilius 
Approximately 330 words 

Published in Oculus, September 1995  

From June 21 through September 17 (1995), the National Academy of Design is host to an exhibition of contemporary British architecture. The show features recent projects by a wide variety of British architects that have been exhibited in London at the annual Royal Academy summer exhibition. Architects featured include Foster, Rogers, Stirling, Terry, Grimshaw, Cullinan, Dixon, plus a host of other, younger, talent.

Projects range from the obligatory high-tech to historically traditional, and includes some banal commercial architecture. (The latter were probably included to show that we aren't the only country that produces mediocre work!) Because the Royal Academny show is a broad based public event, the displays tend not to have the depth of presentation that architects appreciate. 

When visiting the show, make sure to see:

  • Coversion of the Reichstag, Berlin - Sir Norman Foster and Partners 
  • Fountains Abbey Visitor Centre - Edward Cullinan Architects 
  • Zoofenster Building - Richard Rogers Partnership 
  • Bus Station on the Piazzale Roma - Jeremy Dixon / Edward Jones 
  • Stonhenge Visitors Center (Project) - Future Systems 
  • Joseph Stores - Eva Jiricna 
  • Ruskin Library - MacCormac Jamieson Pritchard 
  • Wing Tower, Zurich - Richard Horden Associates Waterloo International Terminal - Nicholas Grimshaw and Partners 
  • Berlin 2000 Olympic Stadia (Project) - David Marks and Julia Barfield

Viewing the exhibition gives one a twinge of envy. Britain is one fifth the size of the U.S., has nowhere near our wealth and terrible weather, but still manages to produce, per capita, more buildings that can be legitimately be called works of Architecture. Exhibitions like this are perhaps one reason why. The annual Royal Academy summer show is a hugely popular national event, drawing over 100,000 visitors. Imagine an annual cross-country architecutral show attraching half a million people in the U.S.! Perhaps it is Britain's greater public appreciation of architecture that creates the opportunities for better buildings to be created. If so, it is incumbent on our profession to take the lead in outreach to the public. More shows like this one would be a good start. 

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