Philosopher says Brisbane is ugly
One of the world's leading philosophers, Alain De Botton, seems to think that Brisbane is the ugliest city in the country.
On his website The Philosophers' Mail the UK author and television presenter says, no one looks at Brisbane's waterfront and feels deeply moved by the sweetness of the scene.
De Botton says there are many planning restrictions concerning health and safety issues, 'but the regulations say absolutely nothing about the most important thing: whether a building has to be beautiful or noble or grand or elegant.'
He goes on to say 'So even though almost everyone on the planet thinks that either Siena or Paris is delightful and everyone thinks that Brisbane is a bit of a mess, we don't dare to speak; we are left cowering.'
'We feel paralysed - unable to state the obvious.'
Brisbane residents disagree.
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said 'GQ Magazine and Lonely Planet got it right when they said that Brisbane is the ‘hippest’ city in Australia.
'Brisbane truly is one of the few cities in the world that has everything. We’ve got great weather, enviable green spaces, lively bars and restaurants, world-class art galleries and premier events.'
Local architects are outraged. Noel Robinson says the quotes could relate to any city in the world.
Mr Robinson adds,'Brisbane's character is defined by its river and the hills, the urban fabric in particular new development applications are being reviewed by the Independent Design and Advisory Panel, to improve the quality of the architecture.
'Buildings should reflect their place in terms of climate and culture and there's a distinct movement by the local authorities to champion sustainability and green buildings, that will provide community benefit,' Mr Robinson said.
'But much of the buildings in Brisbane reflect the thinking of the 1980s, which was not as free-thinking as current trends.'
While Alain de Botton's post is filled with pictures of beautiful cities from around the world, and a number from Brisbane. He failed to mention that one is actually from Ipswich, 40 kilometres west of the CBD.
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Discloser: Mr Robinson is related to the author of this article.
