New Book: NewcastleGateshead - Shaping The City
Review by Nigel Jenkins of the new book by Peter Hetherington
This hard-backed book, published by the Royal Institute of British Architects, with the support of Newcastle and Gateshead Councils and some sixteen further local partners, provides a thorough overview of the story of the development of the conurbation over the years, starting with its history and then addressing its transformation in more recent times. The opening three chapters provide a succinct description of this process, which makes interesting reading for even those of us who have some detailed knowledge of the bacground. Following chapters illustrate projects which have shaped this transformation in the following categories - Connectivity, Culture and Public Art, Education, Housing, Offices and Hotels. Each building is examined via an introduction, the client’s brief, the design process and project evaluation. Whilst the book might appear to appeal mainly to architects, it provides a valuable insight into the process that any major project entails and allows the inquisitive non-architect to make educated judgements regarding the success or otherwise of the schemes. The book is illustrated with magnificent photographs by Sally Ann Norman (http://www.sallyannnorman.com/projects.html) and the only minor criticism could be the small size of the chosen font throughout. It may not be a book that many would decide to afford, but it is certainly worth a thorough examination, if only to admire the photography and be inspired to respond to my call for submissions of your favourite recent building project (see Editorial C&C May 2011).
City and County
November 2011
