The Twentieth Century Society

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Turned Down

Sobell Sports Centre, Isledon Road, Islington, London; (1973)

Turned down on the grounds that it is not a good or rare example of type. Coupled with that was the opinion that from preliminary design to construction, the plans altered significantly—particularly as regards the roof and the entrance arch. EH celebrated its impressive scale but concluded that ‘the architecture fails to relieve the building’s considerable bulk’. 

Richmond Secondary School Darlington Road, Richmond, North Yorkshire; Denis Clarke-Hall (1957-9)

Turned down for a lack of innovation in comparison to Clarke-Hall’s earlier building on the site and later additions, including the infilling of the recessed lower floor and the addition of different material finishes. EH acknowledged Clarke-Hall’s contribution to the post-war schools programme, but concluded that in its ‘simplified layout and restricted circulation areas’ it shows the effects of post-war constraints on expenditure. 

Robin Hood Gardens, Poplar, Tower Hamlets, London; Alison and Peter Smithson (1968-72)

We have now had confirmation of the DCMS decision not to list RHG. The Review Officer’s letter denied that there been any procedural errors in their previous assessment and set out point-by-point the reasons for not listing—concluding that RHG was not successful housing and consequently not a good example of housing design.  

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