I have been pretty sceptical about the City Corporation allocating £150 million to the idea of a radical transformation of the Barbican just at the moment when it is being properly appreciated as an architectural monument, but the team selected look well qualified to renew it and regenerate without changing its character overmuch: not least Asif Khan who is also working on the Museum of London, so there could be a chance to look at the culture of this part of the City as a whole, once the new Farringdon Station opens later this year; it needs a project of cultural regeneration instead of commercial over development. Plus Alan Baxter, who are based in Cowcross Street so use the neighbourhood every day. And Isaac Julien. Good choices.
| Charles | Saumarez | Smith | 
Allies & Morrison were the winners of the National Trust’s international competition for an architet to lead the conservation and renewal of Leoni’s 1730s Clandon Park after the terrible fire of 2015. They have proved to be sensitive and thoughtful along the way.
I didn’t know that. Interesting to hear. They worked for Tate Britain in the 90s, didn’t they ? Charles