I was hoping for another conversation like this
, let me share my thoughts:
I agree with the general consensus that the ultra-modern Shannex building is not necessarily better than the previous building when we account for the era each was constructed in.
I think now is the time to start thinking about what buildings from 50s & 60s we want to conserve. As much as this era gets portrayed as one of destruction there are certainly some gems worth keeping, and they are now old enough to be considered heritage.
Elements of
"Haligonian" architecture I would like to see better conserved or masterfully recreated are: 1) Scottish dormers 2) Ironstone (probably my favorite material in the city) & 3) Storm porches.
Tastefully replicating past architectural marvels is certainly difficult, as it appears most attempts end up being over-commodified.
Here's what I would call a decent re-creation from Harlem:
Former Corn Exchange Bank
Here's something OK from Halifax, the renovated house looks much nicer but isn't authentic. The stormporch was lost, and the building didn't originally have a metal roof:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CN5h572rMyH/
Now for a more Disneyland-styled approach from Chongqing:
Source:
Viator
Certainly very interesting, but far from authentic.
As a streetview enthusiast, I've noticed new russian apartment buildings trying to re-create the more ornate stalinist past. They look pretty cheap to me though:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CN5iIcmrflp/