When buildings are deemed ugly, what are the consequences? Timothy Hyde examines the impact of aesthetic judgment and its focus on ugliness in architectural discourse throughout three centuries of British history. He reveals a narrative where debates about architectural ugliness extend beyond mere style assessments, influencing various aspects of civil society. Hyde analyzes instances of ugliness, such as the gothic revival Houses of Parliament, the brutalist South Bank, and Number One Poultry, highlighting their discussions in parliamentary committees, courtrooms, and public inquiries. He also discusses how prominent architects like Christopher Wren, John Soane, James Stirling, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe have faced scrutiny from aesthetic judgment tribunals. By investigating libel lawsuits, evolving nuisance law, and monarchical privilege, Hyde illustrates how aesthetic judgments intersect with broader evaluations of art, science, religion, political economy, and state matters. He encourages readers to move beyond mere taste to understand how architectural failures can drive social change, offering fresh insights into the significance of aesthetic measurement in contemporary society.
