The Carbuncle Cup is one aspect of architecture that divides opinion. It is awarded each year by the Building Design magazine to a building completed in the last 12 months that has a contentious design. This year was the 10th anniversary of the award and saw it presented to Lincoln Plaza in London.

Our reason for looking at it now has come about from one comment concerning it. We noted that it was presented as an “indictment of bad planning as well as bad architecture.” This phrasing has struck something of a chord with us, as it – quite possibly by accident considering the context – perfectly sums up the main way in which architecture can be allowed to go wrong. This is to say that when the planning is poor the finished building can suffer.

A failure to plan correctly can cause countless problems on an architectural project. If one doesn’t have an informed knowledge of the intentions of the structure – with a particular understanding of environmental integration – then it would be fair to suggest that the right foundations do not exist. Architecture without foundation would, as this award suggests, be likely to fail.

Our approach to architecture at Coffey Architects – one we would like to believe as being echoed across the profession – is to be certain that it starts with an informed level of good planning. We work closely with our clients throughout this stage, helping them to explore their requirements as well as the wider impact the project will have on the setting. As a result we create more conscientious designs.

It is impossible to say with absolute certainty that a building will ever reach the full potential intended for it. We can – and do – make sure that it has every opportunity to do this with considered, comprehensive and informed planning being in place for our architectural work.

If you would like advice from an established architect in London with a passion for our field and wonderful design please contact us.