Robert Adam makes a good point (1 August, page 26) in saying that the public prefers traditional styles.

Some architects do seem intent on blighting our environment with indulgent and ugly edifices in the name of art. However, before we all sign up to a future from the past, some caution.

Traditional architecture is eyewateringly expensive nowadays. Natural materials, intricate details and fine craftsmanship are simply unaffordable for most, and cheap and poorly detailed imitations from most volume housebuilders are hardly any better than the modern eyesores.

And isn鈥檛 it a bit Luddite to say the buildings of a hundred years ago are the best we can do? By all means, do it better or not at all, but there鈥檚 room for great architecture of every kind in our small country.

John Murphy

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