Tony, did I read you wrong or are you not a fan of Hopkins? Just curious?
James I was having a cheap shot at a cheap guy who has rubbed up friends and business associates the wrong way. I've will admit to never having met him because he’s always been sidelined off the project by the time I’ve been involved, but I’ve never heard a nice word about him.
But I've never seen a building of his I didn't admire, and his lack of any signature styling is most impressive across a long career. I've been lucky enough to have worked on a few of this buildings and see them up close. History will be kind to him.
Top 3?
Schlumberger Research Centre
Glyndebourne (must admit not been there ....yet)
The new Velodrome.
Ben made a very interesting point earlier. Britain has such a history and a lack of space that really interesting work is taking place converting old buildings to new uses. Another fine piece of work was his conversion of the Old Financial Times building Bracken House.
I’ve seen a lot of great work in the past Quarter Century in London and I doubt there’s ever been a time when the reputation of British Architects has been so high internationally.