THE Prince of Wales today described a modern flagship building at the University of Essex as a “dustbin”.
THE Prince of Wales today described a modern flagship building at the University of Essex as a “dustbin”.
Prince Charles, who has previously criticised modern architecture, made the comments while addressing paratroopers at the Ivor Crewe lecture theatre in Colchester.
His remarks reportedly drew laughter and applause from his audience.
The prince was meeting paratroopers ahead of their deployment to Afghanistan from March, and was addressing members of the Colchester-based 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment and their families.
He said: “I understand about 1,700 are crammed into what looks like a dustbin from the outside.”
In previous years the prince became famous for using the word "carbuncle'' to describe his feelings on modern buildings.
A university spokeswoman said the lecture hall, which is circular, built in to a hillside and made of stainless steel, was regarded as a "flagship building'' on the campus.
She said it had been built about 18 months ago and was named after the university's former vice-chancellor, politics expert Professor Sir Ivor Crewe.
“I'm not sure I like the term dustbin,” she added.
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