Westminster planners have approved the controversial plans by New York studio Selldorf Architects to remodel the postmodern Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown-designed Sainsbury Wing at the National Gallery.
Last night the planning committee in Westminster, London, approved the Selldorf Architects' revised plans to alter the National Gallery's 1991 extension. The plans have been heavily criticised as an "act of vandalism", including by eight former RIBA presidents.
"Scheme will cause substantial harm"
Following the decision, conservation group Twentieth Century Society (C20) stated that the proposal will "cause substantial harm" to the building, which was Grade I-listed in 2018, and suggested that it would contest the decision. "Westminster planners have just approved the destructive plans for the National Gallery Sainsbury Wing," wrote the Twentieth Century Society on Twitter.
"The scheme will cause substantial harm to a Grade I-listed building and C20 strongly objected. Has the 'Second Battle of Trafalgar' just begun""
Selldorf Architects' proposal to amend the Sainsbury Wing lobby has been approved
The plan to revamp the building will see the entrance remodelled and the dark glass replaced with transparent panes on the facade.
An espresso bar will be added on the ground floor and a cafe, seminar room, archive and staff offices added on the upper floors.
"We have retained the essential quality and fe...