ROY NEWPORT
ARCHITECTS
The Royal Crescent has become a world-renowned icon and an important representation of Georgian architectural innovation
SRA Architects, Emma McDermott, architect “When designing buildings in Bath, I often challenge myself by questioning, ‘What actually is pastiche, and what is it about yesterday’s architecture that’s so appealing?’ I probably have a different answer every time. But I do enjoy the design challenge of considering what quality about the existing context is considered so highly, and providing a design which learns from it. Bath has a wonderfully rich and surprisingly varied history in its existing architecture, and, as an architect, the opportunity to design in such a stimulating and inspiring context is a real privilege.” Nash Partnership, Daniel Lugsden, partner “In all places you hope to change, you must get under the skin. Bath especially, as a World Heritage site, requires a very thorough understanding before you can step forward. If you take the time and have the skills you need to ensure you understand the influence your work will have, there should not really be limitations. Limitations suggests that you can’t do things and, in Bath, perhaps, yes, there are limitations due to the protected nature of a lot of the city. However, good design means it responds to the context, the city and its ambitions, balances the issues it has and is likely to face, and aspires to make a balanced change for the city to move forward with.” Hetreed Ross Architects, Ann Ross, architect director “It’s always uplifting to see contemporary buildings in the city and adjoining villages. Positive change isn’t just about building-design, though; the demands of 21st-century life, materials and methods have to be accommodated within listed buildings, and sometimes that can be a challenge.”
42 MEDIACLASH.CO.UK
‘what is it about yesterday’s architecture that’s so appealing?’ CMG Architects, Jason Daye, architect “Many of our projects are listed buildings, and conservation work is central to our portfolio. Sensitivity to context is vital in Bath. The recurring theme, in terms of limitations, is how do we respectfully and effectively insulate and damp-proof the built fabric of the city, making it fit for an energy-conscious future? Sometimes we, as users, must accept the limitations of the Georgian built fabric and adjust our expectations accordingly. “Achieving the right balance is vital and the council’s task is not an easy one. On the one hand, it has the unenviable task of holding back the hordes of developers looking to exploit a newly set precedent, but on the other hand, nobody (planners included) wants to live in a museum. “Empty plots around the city are being developed into student accommodation; might we be reaching saturation point? On the plus side, at least they’re not all historical pastiches. Georgian pastiches seem to be on the rise, not only at SouthGate and the student housing near Green Park but also the new housing development at Holburne Park. I worry what it says of our culture if new buildings only speak of the past.”