Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!

The ugliest buildings in Harringay/Haringey?

The Daily Telegraph posted a collection of photos asking: Are these the ugliest buildings in the world? From the twenty-one so far, the buildings seem to be love-em-or-hate-em examples. Including of course, the ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture and observation tower at the London 2012 Olympic Park.

Anyone like to suggest local examples of detestable or I've-learned-to-love-it buildings with in-our-faces photographic evidence?

Tags for Forum Posts: architecture, building, civic centre, design, ugliness

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Permalink Reply by Protheroe O'Shea on April 3, 2012 at 22:24

I would like to nominate the Arena Shopping Centre if I may.

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Permalink Reply by Clive Carter on April 3, 2012 at 22:51

Hugh the topic is ugly buildings – do you have a nomination?

There is one attractive aspect of the Civic Centre: the Coat of Arms above the mayoral dais. I think some misguided fellow nominated the brutalist Civic Centre as suitable for a Listing. English Heritage turned it down (I suspect they tried not to laugh). I for one wasn't surprised.

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Permalink Reply by Hugh on April 3, 2012 at 23:50

Come to think of it, I quite like to Hornsey Library too.

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Permalink Reply by StephenBln on April 3, 2012 at 23:51

Clive wrote: There is one attractive aspect of the Civic Centre: the Coat of Arms above the mayoral dais. I think some misguided fellow nominated the brutalist Civic Centre as suitable for a Listing. English Heritage turned it down (I suspect they tried not to laugh). I for one wasn't surprised.

Of course, these words of wisdom from he who said the Euro was dead.. No doubt the Euro and hopefully the Civic Centre will see us both out..

Just mere wishful thinking, but no understanding of the situation...

BH wrote:

Civic centre if only because of the tropical temperatures every time I've been inside.

I'm surprised your lot haven't tried make some cash out of it- that's all you normally think about..

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Permalink Reply by Clive Carter on April 4, 2012 at 11:25

Stephen, the magnificent Haringey Coat of Arms contains a stunning symbol on the shield, and I'm sure they'd retain this, even if the brutalist Civic Centre is demolished. I was not seriously suggesting that the Civic Centre become a casino, even if there might still be left one or two pro-gambling councillors, following the retirement of pro-Casino Cllr. H. Lister.

(are your Euro comments really any more than trolling in this thread? I obviously wouldn't have said the Euro is dead because manifestly it hasn't died yet. Parts of it may never die, even if amputations may be needed. I may well have implied that it's in a serious or critical condition. Or even in intensive care. I'd hardly be alone in saying that)

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Permalink Reply by StephenBln on April 5, 2012 at 20:02

Yes Clive.. quite right about the Euro .. I won't reply to that even tho' I do still have lots to say on how the subject has been pushed in your so-called 'United' Kingdom..

Brutalist..? hah, don't make me laugh - it's a MacMillan 'Never had it so good' version of John's vampire castle seen below..

You Brits just can't do good buildings me thinks.. Happy Easter! :o)

p.s. that's why your best architects do most of their good work outside of Britain..

How about a building like this where your Sainsbury's is

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Permalink Reply by Clive Carter on April 5, 2012 at 21:30

IMO Sainsbury's is unimaginative warehouse style and the Arena is little better. It's a pity, because the Arena is prominent. Why didn't Planning insist on something with more aesthetic appeal?

If you'd like to discuss the Euro, why not start a separate thread? Here's a title for you to consider: Why the Euro will not be back in intensive care by October (BTW I would disagree with that proposition).

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Permalink Reply by StephenBln on April 5, 2012 at 21:44

Because it useless trying to talk sense with those who've been continually fed BBC & British Government propaganda (nonsense & speculation) on the subject..

You still haven't answered my question from January about how come the UK hasn't benefited from being outside the Eurozone.. or do consider an economy the same size and strength of Italy right for the UK..?

Permalink Reply by Liz on April 3, 2012 at 22:56

Lurking in front of the Grande Dame of Green Lanes the Salisbury and ruining the line of the Salisbury parade is this featureless mess, the building once known as the Coliseum (click link for photos). This ugly, characterless development doesn't even have the decency to use its bottom floor for anything interesting, nor is it prepared to let anyone else who might want say a pop up art gallery or short term community centre there. It gets my vote. Brutalism had a theory and an aesthetic even if you hate it there was meaning to it. This kind of building is simply mean and meaningless. It gets my vote for ugliest.