Another helping of stewed gossip served with underwear and narcotics on a bed of broken glass while DJ Dan mixes it on the decks
Hermit wanted
I see the race is still on to fill the post of chairman of CABE after the departure of Sir Stuart Lipton. From a look at the job description for the post, I suspect the commission is still a little sensitive about conflicts of interest. It says the successful candidate will 鈥渄emonstrate an understanding of CABE鈥檚 remit and a sensitivity to the interplay between that remit and wider commercial interests鈥�. (Translation: no developers 鈥� or their sons, daughters, wives and architects 鈥� need apply.)
Smashing response
I hear there has been a spot of bother at the Beeb鈥檚 plush White City offices in west London. Apparently vandals have been lobbing bricks through the windows of the Allies and Morrison designed blocks causing 拢26,000 worth of damage. All local architecture critics have been cleared of any involvement.
Fly to safety
Staying in west London, Land Securities鈥� spanking new Empress State 黑洞社区 near Earl鈥檚 Court has won applause for its sleek Wilkinson Eyre lines and spectacular views. Less prepossessing are the fire safety signs around the building, which depict dot-like people leaving the triangular-shaped structure. 鈥淭hey look like ants running out of a pair of pants,鈥� said one confused insider.
Some more opium, sir?
Just as you would hope for in the Athens of the North, Edinburgh council鈥檚 property development arm takes culture seriously. The EDI Group plans to develop a car park in the old town into a permanent home for the city鈥檚 annual science festival. In the meantime, a red 1954 transit bus is filling the gap. Inside, 鈥渧isitors find themselves in an environment that is a cross between an opium den and a mobile field hospital鈥�. Can Edinburgh鈥檚 august urban heritage take such a provocative addition? I can鈥檛 wait to see.
Take that
RIBA president George Ferguson clearly takes great delight in ruffling feathers. Take his wheeze of setting up an X-list of architectural eyesores 鈥� presently part of the BBC鈥檚 website. Predictably, this has peeved the Twentieth Century Society. Cordula Zeidler, a caseworker, notes that formerly unpopular concrete towers such as the Barbican estate in London have swung back into fashion. 鈥淲e are disappointed that George Ferguson prefers to fuel a populist campaign, rather than contribute to an informed debate,鈥� she sniffs.
An update on the Daniel Libeskind arts season at the Barbican. As well as screening his favourite films, there will also be a musical element. Those of you who recall his selection for Desert Island Discs last year may wish to overlook this part of the itinerary. On 13 October there will be "Libeskind: From the Shtetl to the City", which is a "foot-stomping selection of East European Jewish melodies".
On the 15 December, we will be treated to "Libeskind: Dreidels, Doughnuts and Other Delights". Book now to avoid disappointment.
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