In my post of the19th March about the new concourse at Kings Cross station, I enthused about the opportunity to clear away the old concourse and start afresh with a new square. I also said I would revisit the architecture once I had visited the building. So, here goes.
After hanging around there for some time – with lots of other architects with cameras – it is clear the place works well and it is a quantum leap forward from what was there before. But when the froth has receded it is also clear that the roof is the architecture. The rest, its balcony, circulation, and the way it accommodates the shops and cafés without letting them over-run the place, is all competently executed but not thrilling. So, it is an amazing roof, but how good is it when compared to its peers? How does it compare to the Great Court at the British Museum? Read more
