Originally Posted by
Mr Mac
Rutan 16
I am aware that Munich is a state capital as our European office has moved there from London, and I keep a flat there as a result, so feel a little qualified to discuss the point. The hinterland and population is similar to that of Manchester and also its catchment area, so we are looking at similar possible traffic density. The fact that LH uses it as hub you should take up with BA, and ask why they abandoned everywhere outside the M25, but that is a different topic. I am sure the new building does meet current codes, or else the design team want sacking, and I did not say it did not. Do not confuse my comments re design with the issues involved in an infamous tower block, as that was not my point. What is wrong with Ral 7016 is that it is everywhere in the UK on public and private buildings, and is used primarily, as it hides dirt and therefore the cladding appears cleaner than it is, which means that people do not have to clean it so often. However if not cleaned by approved cleaners every 6 months your warranty disappears. Guess what does not cleaned on most buildings unless your client has deep pockets or status. As for the curtain walling yes there are Swiss / German / American / any number of others countries including some English ones, and glass is more expensive than panels, but if you want an airport like the sheds at Daventry distribution centre, or a US Walmart go with panels, but it is not statement architecture, and a poor advert for the region. Incidentally Asda Walmart tried to build a US style store in the UK in Yorkshire, and actually built it, but had to subsequently alter it to put more glass in as people did not like walking through a shed to shop. As for Green issues you will find that 30% of all glass used in construction is recycled, which has caused its own problems, if you Google Nickel Sulphide you will see what I mean. I was not asking for an architectural master piece as I am well aware that MAG does not have the budget for that , hell they can not even fix the lifts and escalators so I was well aware we were not going to get a new HK/ SIN. However I thought we could have done better than a municipal bus station. I quoted the small municipal pool in Colne as good architecture on a strict budget, to show how it can be done, but you appear to want a Norman Foster inspired project which MAG could not afford. However was he asked or were any other airport specialists asked for input ? I note your address is London, so I take it you are quite happy with T5, but feel that the regions are not worthy of having anything like that. Give them a bus shelter to smoke their fags and drink their beer in on the way to the Med once a year ,any they will be happy ! We are supposed to inspire people to greater things, not settle for mediocrity, which is so prevalent in the way English society seems to be going. I do agree with you with regards security, check in, and immigration, but my experience at Manchester is a little mixed on all counts there. Not as bad as most US airports as rkenyon alludes to about JFK, and I hold the same views about there as well, and would also add ATL / LAX / SFO/ MIA and many others I have visited in the "Empire", but we should try to imitate the best, not the mediocre / dreadful. I agree with 96er and there comment on railway stations, as some like GMEX even look well after their original function has ceased. As for Victorian labour practises Chaps 1954, I would look no further than current Zero hour labour practices, and ask have we improved much in the last say 100 + years, or are we regressing as a nation. Anyway enough of my rant, time to get my flight, as the drivers arrived.
Kind regards
Mr Mac