Letter: Quality, not fashion, is the V&A goal

HOW REASSURING to see stated so cogently what very many architects have been thinking since "flavour-of-the-month" building design became universal.

Most agree there is a place for "fun" buildings and dramatically different design, but not at the expense of function. Clients who fail to demand facilities which work in terms of layout, maintenance and general functionality are wasting money.

Any visually aware designer can produce an exciting and attractive elevation. It takes a great architect to produce an aesthetically pleasing design which fits fully the functional requirements of the client.

It might help to offer tax relief for the construction of designs emanating from open competitions.

ALAN RANKIN

Belfast