In days of old, when Knights were bold, the architects had taste... in my opinion. Even now people visit fortifications and fortified buildings all over the world to admire the design, construction and architecture.

Todays fortifications are just plain utilitarian and ugly. I mean I don't want to get all Arts and Crafts movement on you here but seriously if we are going to have this constant heightened security threat then surely we can design security measures which are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. I walked past the front of the Houses of Parliament for the first time in years yesterday and I have to say that the solid black steel anti-vehicle barrier system which has been installed all over the pavement and road outside does not make a pleasant addition to the facade. Couldn't the UK government afford to fortify and secure the Houses of Parliament in a way which blends nicely with the original architecture and fits into the overall layout of parliament square. The stick on dayglo reflectors really don't help either. As for the CCTV cameras which seem to pop up and multiply all over the building like a pox on a beautiful face, yes yes I know they HAVE to be there but why can't they blend in to the original facade?

KodeK
www.reel8.co.uk