Right to preserve Modernist works of the architect’s art

Two concrete teaching blocks, a self-build church and a modern home in Belfast’s upmarket Notting Hill area are not everyone’s first idea of buildings deserving of listing as of historical interest. One naturally thinks of grand country homes at least a century old or commercial buildings with unique design features.

But the teaching blocks, at Queen’s University and Stranmillis College, and the church and private dwelling are also examples of design and use of materials of their time. A city or community is organic, forever changing, and it is encouraging that Belfast City Council’s planning committee is aiming to preserve examples of modern architecture.