Interview with Robert de Grey
Robert says that he has: ‘a passionate interest in the interaction between the way in which people use buildings and the built artefact’. He notes that his view, as a graduate of the Cambridge School, was different from many other CMK architects, who had studied at the Architectural Association: ‘the Cambridge School was particularly interested in the way in which cities developed and how people interact with cities.’ Milton Keynes was for him: ‘… an opportunity of a lifetime, which is to influence the creation of a new city.’ He describes his work in CMK, first on Saxon Court details and then on the design of the bus station. He notes the ‘lack of clarity from the client side’ (on the bus station) which wasted time; also, bus routing strategy was changing so rapidly at that time that the building was ‘almost immediately redundant’.
The interview moves on to discussion of Robert’s current ideas for potential redevelopment of some aspects of Central Milton Keynes; he notes that he is now critical of some of the original design principles such as the space between buildings and the domination of the car. Recalling the views expressed in a public consultation, his opinion now is that the buildings should be closer together, with car parking on the edges of the centre, rather than near buildings. Asked about a potential need for increased public transport, Robert responds that he is not sure whether a significant shift in provision is achievable. The proposals he and colleagues have worked on also include ‘open routes through the Shopping Building at more frequent intervals … open twenty four hours a day’.
Robert gives his opinion of the recent developments, the hotels, Sainsbury’s and residential accommodation. Looking to the future, his opinion is that it is important to accept that the city will grow and change with circumstances: ‘ I think the idea of the gridded city centre with well defined spaces between buildings actually has stood the test of time … the nature of those spaces needs to change, but the grid system … is incredibly powerful’. But in thirty years’ time, he says: ‘who knows … maybe the Shopping Building will be redundant?’
No Comments
Add a comment about this page