What this shows is genuine architectural composition, the branding in the form of a distinctive roof shape is bold without being gaudy or brash, and the regular pattern of exposed concrete panels and glass is pleasing and understated. All in all a very satisfactory piece of work, likely to stand the test of time.
What, in contrast, was I sitting in?......... This:
No unity of thought, a mixture of shapes, a curved roof in response to current fashion, but no composition...no idea.
If an organisation that has been a commercial success for forty years cannot learn from and improve upon previous achievement, but instead feels content with the lowest common denominator in the design of their buildings, what does it say about the cultural ambition of our day? It seems that pride in commercial achievement is a thing of the past. The role in building an organisation was once respected. The physical building was an expression of that pride in achievement, confidence in the future and contribution to the society, community and nation. The current lack of quality in building illustrates other ideas; short term concerns, self doubt, quick money, and a surrender of higher ideals.
Pizza hut, like so much in our society, illustrates a sad, deep-seated cultural and intellectual decline.
So my question to Pizza Hut is...Why isn't it better?
