ABSTRACT
An open-mindedness had been growing within architecture throughout the 1970s, epitomised by the community architecture and conservation movements, in response to increasing recognition of the pluralist voice of the general public. It was a time of continued re-evaluation, and of a belief in what can only be described as an attempt to give architecture a social conscience. In this chapter, the author presents the plans to British Rail to get the air rights agreement underway and to Westminster Council many times to get the planning consent. Given the slope of the riverbank, she provides a walkway so that pedestrians can go right through from the Strand and cross the river via the Hungerford Bridge without changing level. Homing in on the constraints as the finances came under pressure for each component part gave her a reality to work with, and this method of working suited her well.
