[grzte]

If these are the worst examples they can find in the entire city of London, I'd say things are not going so bad.

[eru]

Indeed. The topic itself is fascinating, but it doesn't seem like much too complain about.

The ugly part is when they don't line up the windows. Otherwise, it's fine.

[tomatocracy]

There's also at least a potential aesthetic problem where the new building behind the facade is taller than the facade, especially if it extends above by a significant amount. That's very common indeed.

[eru]

I'm happy with that look. If you can't hide the change perfectly, I'd rather the building be honest and blatant about being a hybrid.

But I can see how tastes differ.

[tomatocracy]

It varies in how well it’s done - much as with windows, some are very sympathetic and others not. It’s also particularly noticeable for people who occupy higher floors in other nearby buildings and I’m not sure this is often considered in the planning process.

[Jaruzel]

There are many good examples across the whole of London, but those don't make for interesting news copy.

[isthisnametaken]

Even 10 Downing Street was essentially flattened in the 1960s and rebuilt as a new building behind the facade of the original.