When news spread of Tracey Emin's plans to demolish a disused 1920s building in London's East End neighborhood, residents immediately objected. The artist, known for her conservation work in the area, has commissioned David Chipperfield to design a minimalist flat and studio on the site. However, despite the planning application's claim that the design will "greatly contribute to the character and appearance of the conservation area," the opposition isn't convinced.
“Tracey Emin is at present the owner of a locally listed building that is part of a historic streetscape of variety and charm,” said Save Britain's Heritage director Clem Cecil, who labeled Chipperfield's design "angular and blank." “She has done great conservation work with her other buildings nearby and this building deserves the same treatment.
As BDOnline reports, the application claims: "The building re-establishes the historic Bell Lane and Tenter Ground continuous frontages constructed in brick with a lime-based mortar to avoid the need for expansion joints. Large expanses of brick are broken up by a three dimensional ‘play’ (by the use of recesses) and rich detailing within the elevations. Some windows are proposed flush, some with a reveal of the length of a brick, distinguishing between the ‘work’ and ‘home’ parts of the development."
If built, the four-story building will be comprised of a "large, flexible, single-bedroom living space," double-height studio, and large exhibition space. The scheme will be reviewed by the Tower Hamlets Council in September.
