Tag Archives: London

The Journey of an Accidental Unionist

Posted on September 17, 2014 by cosmopolitanscum

A few weeks ago, I went to see a play about Scottish independence in the Stratford that doesn’t sit upon the Avon but the Stratford that sits not far from Westminster. I cycled there from my place in Hackney and … Continue reading →

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Squarepusher and the Geometry of Sound

Posted on September 21, 2012 by cosmopolitanscum

In one of Arup’s London offices is an array of speakers designed to help architects and acoustic engineers hear how the designs of their spaces will sound when complete. It’s called an ambisonic array. Virtual sound models for proposed concert … Continue reading →

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The Airport Guy

Posted on September 12, 2012 by cosmopolitanscum

The all-to brief appointment of Daniel Moylan as chairman of the London Legacy Development Company marks a sea-change in the development landscape in London. His departure, after just 7 weeks, marks the end of an 8 year period during which … Continue reading →

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Inspiration: Nigel Peake

Posted on March 2, 2012 by cosmopolitanscum

I have been following the work of illustrator Nigel Peake since I published his student thesis in the Scottish architecture magazine Prospect just before he won a Silver Commendation in the RIBA President’s Medal in 2005.  Since then he has … Continue reading →

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Reaching for My Revolver

Posted on June 21, 2011 by cosmopolitanscum

Will Gompertz on the Today programme this morning said that the arts has “always been embedded in the idea of hosting the Olympics.’ As portions of the £80m Cultural Olympiad were officially announced – a group of artists to create … Continue reading →

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Gratuitous Beauty Pageant Post

Posted on October 21, 2010 by cosmopolitanscum

Giovanna Mazotti was voted Miss Italy in 1952 winning the right to represent her country at that year’s Miss Universe competition, which was eventually won by Miss Finland. Upon returning home, Miss Italy  told a Rome newspaper that the Miss Universe … Continue reading →

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A Cathedral Dedicated to Excrement

Posted on October 1, 2010 by cosmopolitanscum

As London’s sewer system accepts into its gaping maw a huge autumnal deluge, it is worth sparing a thought for those who created it. The Metropolitan Board of Works was created in 1855 to improve the cities infrastructure ‘under the … Continue reading →

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