Sir, – A letter writer (September 14th) pins the blame for the demolition of seemingly perfectly serviceable commercial properties on architects and their inflated egos.
In the hard-nosed world of commercial building development, the architect is far down the decision-making chain when such decisions are made.
It’s all about “sweating the asset”, exploiting the changes in plot ratios and height restrictions.
But the Royal Institute of British Architects is presently campaigning in Britain for a halt to the demolition of commercial properties on the grounds of sustainability and emission reduction.
It is encouraging its members to be more innovative in adapting and enhancing such buildings to achieve the same commercial goals for their clients. – Yours, etc,
RORY E MacFLYNN,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.