Cool Modernism 3rd place

Cool Modernism. The awards for best modernist building finally judge the rich pickings of Helensburgh.

The Cool Modernism awards 3rd place. This is what the judges had to say:-

Another chunk of city dumped in the country............

Judges Notes:

The once elegant link stair (the lynx stair to others, trecherous and tight to most users, but unquestionably functional to the designers) now soiled by poor state-sponsored graffiti - dreamy fluffy clouds on a 'primary 2' blue sky background. Cheese wedge: monumental cheese-shaped wedges define the schools plant block. They encourage interaction: run at it full tilt and see how far up the wedge you can get.

Technical block: Brutal. Cancerous remains still resonate toughness: modular, prefabricated nature of constructiona vision of the future; sadly neglected. Home to Biology, chemistry, craft and design and home economics, the block exudes an earthiness to match it's content.

Main Block: Elegant, weightless giant, now hopelessly 'beached' by enclosure of open air lobby entrance to resplendent main stairway. A much needed, but poorly executed stairtower anchored at the south end further diminishes the blocks appeal. Provides cover to English, History, and Modern Studies.

New Block: Sleeker, slimmer, faster, fitter; home to maths,physics, languages and art and inspired by the archityecture of Sci-Fi Classic Logans Run, the new block also contains an excellentcafeteria and a link to the PE block.

PE Block: Extreme function: densely planned zone with 'glamorous' sixth year galleryoverlooking main sports hall. Purists only

Extra: Brick buttress piers on east wall of sports hall doubles up as element in local variation of 'Wallee' - nice touch.

Verdict: Much like St. Peters Seminary in Cardross, The Academy induces strong feelings of space-time sickness. A veritable 'chunk of city dumped in the country', it's concrete walls place Helensburgh on yet another faultline; one that rips a gash between town and country.

Hated but rated: 8/10



Thanks go to my good friend Rory, editor of MMM magazine, for the text from this article.