It was great to see the latest version of the King Alfred proposals in the Argus on Saturday (May 21).
I had been worried by the previous, rather watered-down, versions of the designs. It then seemed we had engaged a world-class architect, only to tie his hands behind his back, and the result might not have been much better than the dreadful sheds currently at the Marina.
Now, it seems Frank Gehry has come back with something even more wonderful than his original concept.
The crumpled towers, changed to white, have a more organic and natural feel and remind me of some of the small-scale sea life we see on our beach, such as the bryozoa, which are themselves similar to coral structures. The fractured geometry of the design also echoes the exposed chalk cliffs, while the curves in the other elements are like the Downs and the waves, shimmering with colour and light.
Those who criticise the plans, such as Selma Montford, have often served our city well, protecting what is cherished but in this instance, they are wrong.
A design of this quality does something rare: It transcends lesser local problems and takes us somewhere new. This is not merely a repeat of Gehry's past glories but is truly "next level" stuff.
In many ways, it is more sensitive to the local landscape and its surroundings than some of the historic architecture around it.
Nature, in all her beauty, operates a harsh rule, which we are forced to respect: Evolve or die.
The strength and beauty of our city is that it does evolve. It is now time to show courage and move on to the next level. The age of the square is over.
-Steve Geliot, Brighton
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