Architecture Here and There

Jonathan Jones, art critic for the Guardian, of Britain, has issued a primal scream against the Shard, which will be the tallest building in Europe when complete. It was designed by Renzo Piano, and like almost every other major work of modern architecture casts a dark and sinister shadow across the land, the culture and the people of London, England, Europe and the world. Jones characterizes the Shard as representing British society gone off the rails morally. It represents big money and how it has trumped all other values.

In much of this, Jones is spot on, though his indictment doesn't go anywhere near far enough. But why is the Shard the first building that has caused him to read so much of truth into the modernist movement? Is it because of the riots? But are the riots the first indication in history that society, in Britain at least, has gone off the rails? I don't think so. Jones will condemn the Shard, and when the next Shard comes along, all will be forgiven. Because though he speaks the words he does not understand the truth of what he writes. Still, it is worth reading here.

 Tags  Architecture David Brussat Guardian Jonathan Jones London Modern Architecture Renzo Piano Shard

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Andrew said:

He (and you) are being a little hyperbolic, but I agree with the general direction of the criticism. Though I'm certain Jones, if he were writing when the Colosseum in Rome was under construction, would have the sudden realization, when crossing the River Tiber, that it was just a tool of the powerful ruling elite to placate and control the downtrodden masses...

Link | August 26, 2011 8:10 AM
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