Chelsea Barracks: which design do you prefer?

The Prince of Wales has re-ignited the argument between neo-classicism and modernism after attempting to intervene in the development of Chelsea Barracks.

In a letter to the Emir of Qatar, the Prince said that an alternative design by architect Quinlan Terry was a better choice for the west London site.

However, the site’s developers, led by real estate giant Qatari Diar, look set to support the original designs drawn up by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners.

The debate has stirred passions on both sides. Sunand Prasad, the president of the RIBA, called for Charles to stop exerting “undue influence” on the backers of the scheme.

Meanwhile Brian Waters, the president of the Association of Consultant Architects, wrote a letter to the Evening Standard in support of Prince Charles and the “strategic thinking” of Terry’s designs.

Building has managed to source images of both proposals for you to make your own mind up.

So which is it to be – the modernist blocks designed by RSHP and Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, with landscaping by Heatherwick Studio?

Or do you prefer the doric order of Quinlan Terry’s proposals, with its university-like quads and crescent?

Chelsea Barracks by Quinlan Terry

Chelsea Barracks by Richard Rogers