Leon Krier CVO is a world-renowned architect and urban planner, and “a prominent critic of modernist architecture, New Classical Architecture and New Urbanism he, PoundburyDorset, England,” the latter being a passion innovation project for then-Prince Charles.
Throughout his lifelong professional and personal interest in architecture and urban planning, Luxembourg native Léon Krier also noticed that something was preventing the creation of beautiful cities and buildings that provide the conditions for individuals, families and communities to live happy and fulfilling lives. While some cities remain beautiful and uplifting in their architectural fabric and wider environment, many others are not. Planned and developed as soulless compartmentalized landscapes, often lacking proper facilities for shopping, business and recreation, they have become bland and oppressive for the people trapped within them.
During his journey through life, his career as an architect and through the labyrinth of cities, Krier stumbled upon The UK Column and was intrigued to see people questioning events and things happening in the world around them. He became a regular reader and later came into contact with Brian Gerrish.
Later, in a private Zoom conversation with Cryer about architecture, urban planning and the pros and cons of new development, Brian Gerrish was able to discuss the issues surrounding Plymouth’s urban development under the post-World War II Abercrombie plan and the late Barcelona-based architect’s more recent urban restructuring. David McKayThe discussion developed quickly and Krier agreed to an interview to share his thoughts, knowledge and experience with UK Column readers.
Leon Krier is Architecture: choice or destiny?.
The beginning of this interview contains a reference to the 3 July 2023 edition of UK Column News.
We invite you to join this informative and wide-ranging discussion.
British ColumnThe second interview with Léon Krier was published in August 2023.