‘This modest but handsome building was constructed in 1874’ writes ‘the gentle author’ in his book. ‘Redevelopment by UCL  for student housing was turned down by Islington Council due to the windows of the new building not aligning with those in the facade (!). This judgment was overturned by the government’s planning inspector on the basis that ‘due to intensive daytime activities taking place at the university campus’ the absence of both light and view ‘would not be unacceptably oppressive.’ In which case why design buildings with windows at all? Unsurprisingly, this development was winner of Building Design’s  Carbuncle Cup for 2013.