Ugly Buildings of Oxford

Oxford is renowned for its beautiful buildings, but, in the post war period Oxford wanted to have some ugly buildings as well. We really transcended ourselves in creating some ugly buildings. These are some ugly buildings – it is even more painful when contrasted against some of the older more beautiful buildings of Oxford

This is the Westgate centre and carpark. Notice the beautiful, colourful old houses in the background. They only serve to highlight how ugly the Westgage centre is. What this picture can’t convey though is the foul smell that always seems to eminate from this dark place.

Buses provide a little colour to the grey buildings

Since Oxford had so many beautiful buildings, in the 1960s they thought – Why don’t we try to also have the most ugly buildings as well? The Westgate library is a really good example of how to ruin your city centre with the most ugly possible building.

Merton College Flats. In most surroundings these flats would be OK. Nothing special but not offensive. The problem is this corner of Oxford is stunning in its architecture and beautiful buildings. These flats are unsympathetic to the surrounding buildings and architecture.

A great example of the contrast between old and modern. The old fashioned pub is architecturally a delight. The new ‘Cult’ Building sticks out like an unpleasant eyesore. The contrast is shocking.

Westgate library, County Hall and the Oxford Mound.

Nuffield College tower on the right is an example of great modern architecutre. Built in the 1930s by Lord Nuffield it used designs and materials in sympathy with the historic heart of Oxford. The county hall on the left is well – from a Brave New World of utilitarian efficiency and drabness. (Maybe the designer was from  the old Communist bloc)

County Hall on right. Note how they at least planted trees to try to cover it up. The new flats in the middle were built very recently and its great to see good principles of design being used as Oxford tries to overcome its past mistakes.

O Dear!