Michael Gove, Tory member of Parliament and the U.K.’s secretary of state for education since 2010, has declared a controversial war on “curves or ‘faceted’ curves” in school buildings—as well as “minimal indents, ‘dog legs,’ and notches in the plan shapes.” Folding partitions, glazed walls, roof terraces, and ETFE roofing are also banned.
In a series of new Design Templates for prototype schools published at the beginning of October—a document intended to steer architects bidding for $4 billion in contracts for 261 state schools to be rebuilt over the next five years—the British government called for “simple rectilinear forms” and no-frills designs. Buildings such as Foster + Partners’ approximately $34 million Langley Academy (2009), which has a cylindrical wooden facade with vertical louvers, would not be sanctioned.
You have 0 complimentary articles remaining.
Unlimited access + premium benefits for as low as $1.99/month.