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Criticism of coloured blocks on new school's roof
A LEADING architect has welcomed debate on the coloured blocks atop a new borough school — derided as "loud and offensive" by locals.
Architect of the new Monkseaton High School, Ian Lancastle-Smith, director at Devereux Architects, told newsguardian.co.uk that public criticism of his project was "good" and welcomed debate on the topic.
"It's good that people are criticising architecture," he said.
"It's a public building and we have to debate these in public."
"I'm pleased that people are debating school design, it's an incredibly important subject."
Mr Lancastle-Smith was responding to letters, sent to newsguardian.co.uk, which criticised the architect's decision to make the "wind catching" blocks on the roof bold primary colours.
Monkseaton resident Robert Newton said the architect must have "used his children's Duplo bricks as paperweights."
"What were they thinking of putting brightly coloured blocks on such a huge monstrosity of a building that is already out of place for this location?" He wrote.
Another letter writer, Charlie Steel of Seatonville Road, described the blocks as "loud and offensive".
But Mr Lancastle-Smith defended the design of his building, stating that it met the Government's ten principals for "good school design" and was admired across Europe.
"The blocks are part of a very, very sustainable building," he said.
"We are aware of the letters in the local press.
"But they're judging it before it's a completed building and before it's finished.
"When you see it in its totality, then you can really appreciate it.
"We've been to design conferences in Eindhoven and spoken to local authorities about the project.
"Local authorities in Holland and Germany think the school is wonderful.
"The whole idea of the school was to respond to needs of children and teachers with a sense of safety, warmth and welcoming."
This week, North Tyneside Council confirmed that planning permission was granted for the blocks to be coloured.
"The architect intended the coloured wind catchers, which have planning approval, to add brightness to the modern new school building," a council spokeswoman said.
"The council is listening to all feedback on the new school, including the interest in the coloured wind catchers."
However, Dr Paul Kelley, headteacher of Monkseaton High, declined to comment.
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Weather for Whitley Bay
Sunday 05 February 2012
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