Style Weekly
Architecture Critic Offers Valuable Service
While I do not always agree with Edwin Slipek Jr. on his views of local buildings, I do believe they serve a purpose (“Architecture Critic Needs Perspective,” Letters, Sept. 10). Ed usually does not critique private residences, but buildings that either serve a public purpose or will be in the public eye. What I take away from Ed's articles is that he wants not only the developers' and architects', but also on occasion the public's, input to add a little creativity to our structures.
He was generally positive about the new courthouse and the new Virginia Commonwealth University buildings at Belvidere and Cary. Are there some features of those structures that could have been better? You bet. Ed, like a judge at an event, is duty-bound to give a fair grade, not just an A+ or an F. I believe Ed wants us to reach higher, accept the duty of preserving our unique structures and inspire other cities by having new structures be architectural landmarks. Virginia was the first colony, the Mother of Presidents, homeland of Jefferson, the gold standard prior to the Civil War. ... and Richmond is the seat of our great Commonwealth. Let's design, build and preserve unique structures so we can become an example for other cities, and a Mecca to aspiring architects!
Stephen C. Thompson Jr.
Midlothian
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