National Gallery plans to get the green light from Selldorf

The Westminster City Council has given the green light to Selldorf Architects' plans to renovate the Grade I-listed National Gallery Sainsbury Wing, which was designed by Denise Scott Brown and Robert Venturi. The decision, which was made during a council meeting on November 29, has sparked controversy due to the proposed changes to the Postmodern extension, which was built in 1991. Selldorf Architects, which is based in New York, intends to alter the front gates, ground-floor entrance, stairs, and lobby, and remove certain pillars and sections of the ceiling. Last month, the firm submitted revised plans for the project, but they have been met with criticism from eight former presidents of the Royal Institute of British Architects, who described the updated proposal as "perhaps even more ill-judged" than the original plans submitted in August.

Westminster City Council has approved the National Gallery's plans to transform its entrance in London. The redesign, which was created by architect Annabelle Selldorf, includes the opening up of lower areas and the creation of a single main entrance to the gallery. However, Denise Scott Brown, one of the original architects of the gallery, criticized the plans, stating they resembled a "circus clown wearing a tutu." Despite this criticism, the National Gallery's director, Gabriele Finaldi, expressed delight at the council's decision and said the transformation would improve the experience for visitors. The Twentieth Century Society also opposed the plans, citing concerns about the opening up of the lower areas. 

James Timberlake of Kieran Timberlake in the US expressed his anger over the approval of the reworked design for the National Gallery expansion. Timberlake tweeted that the lack of consideration for Denise Scott Brown's plea and explanation of the organization's thesis, due to a lack of respect, was "numbing and dumbfounding." He also stated that the decision to move forward with the expansion, despite the controversy, is causing "ruin upon ruin." However, Annabelle Selldorf, founder of Selldorf Architects, stated that the revised design preserves significantly more of the original building's fabric and creates a clearer connection with the original structure. Selldorf also mentioned that the feedback and discussions with those concerned about the gallery, both in Westminster and around the world, have been reflected in the plans and their dialogue with the existing buildings. 

As part of the NG200 project, Selldorf is working to showcase the National Gallery's bicentenary year in 2024. According to Westminster council's cabinet member for planning, Geoff Barraclough, these plans will "ensure that it can offer the best contemporary visitor experience possible." Barraclough also noted that the Planning Committee was in agreement that these changes would enhance the visitor experience while being mindful of the impact on the Grade I listed buildings. Despite this, the committee ultimately approved the project due to the "compelling public benefits package, including improved accessibility."