Red state, but no red tape
February 27, 2008
There’s something to be said for not involving too many people in a decision. Take Beijing airport’s impressive new terminal for example – it’s twice the size of Heathrow’s new Terminal Five and only cost about half the amount.
Nothing like a dictatorship to cut through the red tape as with no unions to consider, no lengthy public consultation process and people working on the project 24/7, the Chinese have managed to go from start to finish in four years. Compares quite well to the 20 years that Heathrow’s new terminal has been in development don’t you think.
Anyway, reason for this post is really the cool picture. Yet again Foster and Partners have gone up and beyond traditional expectations and shown that while the British government and airport authorities wont be winning any races, English architecture is really at the cutting edge.
Wow. That really is an impressive picture, guess it is not that much of a surprise though, as most things bearing the Hallmark of Norman Foster, tend to look cool.
Mr Foster will be shortly involved on a project for one of my most liked buildings, the Camp Nou, in Barcelona.
We in britain have too many Chefs, they do not appear to have the same problem in China. If only our Infrastructural work could be done at something approaching the same rate, the most frustrating aspect is we almost seem to take great pleasure in deliberating doing these things slowly and therefore pissing off as many people as possible. London is a great case in point. How many times has your journey to or from your job been disrupted due to roadworks or the like?
It’s interesting that you mention two airports where I have had the worst travel experiences of my life: Heathrow and Beijing. Each involved massive, uncontrolled lines (queues, sorry)and a three-hour wait. I did make my flights, however. Perhaps the waits will simply seem less detestable now with more pleasing surroundings.
Si – no doubt you’ll be reading about the opening problems at T5 with much mirth and merriment.