Comments on: Underwhelming St Pancras

By: iMuslim

iMuslim — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 17:50:46 +0000

M Risbrook, i think it is a bit much to ask what Muslims think about British architecture. I mean, Islam doesn’t really have much to say on the subject, i don’t think… i am sure there are Muslims who are fans, and Muslims who don’t care, just as with the rest of the population.

I personally love ye olde London, and the vibe i get from places like St Pauls. I hate concrete tower blocks and estates; they are an eyesore - were they ever considered stylish?! I do like the look of some of the newer apartment buildings in the Docklands area. Must be expensive though…

By: Nic

Nic — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 16:42:48 +0000

No great loss? William Barlow ‘s train shed was the largest single span building in the world when it was built. It was a remarkable piece of engineering at a time when Britain led the world in engineering. It has been hit by three bombs during the world wars and stood up to the blasts. Would you have preferred to have seen it knocked down and 60’s concrete tower blocks erected instead?

The blue of the iron work is the same blue of the original train shed, ordered by the Station Master who were powerful people in their day. The new extension is a piece of engineering excellence in itself. St Pancras is a grade 1 listed building. This means that it’s one of a kind in the world. Do you really think English Heritage were happy with them building an extension to this building. The only way English Heritage would allow the extension was a design that took no flare away from the original train shed.. which I believe has been achieved.

50,000,000 man hours have gone into this project. People’s whole career’s and they must be very proud of what has been achieved.

I find your post narrow minded and naive. Have you missed all the fantastic media coverage this building has had recently. I’m proud we have possibly the best train station in the world in our Capital city.

By: M Risbrook

M Risbrook — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 13:03:53 +0000

I am wondering what Muslims think of classical British architecture like Georgian, Victorian, and Art Deco? Do they love it or would they be happier to see anything pre 1945 smashed to rubble. There must be over a million Muslims who live in Victorian houses and send their children to school in Victorian buildings. Muslims haven’t moved out to suburbs or newer neighbourhoods as much as other ethnic groups have in the past 20 or so years. Is this because they genuinely like what the Victorians built and don’t want to see it destroyed by greedy property developers and replaced by blocks of yuppie flats.

By: Yahya Birt

Yahya Birt — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 09:16:26 +0000

Yusuf, what absolute heresy on your part! I’m waiting until the work is finished to say what I might think about the refurbishment, but I’m with Betjeman on this one.

Salams, Yahya