Buildings For The Rubbish Heap

Put ugly buildings out of their misery, says a leading British architect

1 minute read

September 1, 2004, 7:00 AM PDT

The president of the Royal Institute of British Architects is proposing "Grade X," a new category to classify buildings that deserve to be demolished.

"Mr. Ferguson argues that a Grade X listing could release fiscal incentives to demolish ugly buildings and discourage developers from trying to rescue them with superficial face-lifts. He also says such a policy would bring political rewards. Yet unless a developer prizes the land on which a Grade X building stands, the cost of razing it could be prohibitive."

Thanks to Deborah Myerson

FULL STORY: A Building Is an Eyesore and Must Go? Grade it X

Monday, August 30, 2004 in The New York Times

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