Letter: Farm buildings: Palladian pigsties, Baroque barns and metal prefabs

Sir: As an engineer son of an architect, I was intrigued by Roger Hawkins's views on farmyard architecture. Although few of those who have viewed the modern agro- industrial yard would disagree with the concept of beautification being desirable, a large part of the onus for change lies with the designers and engineers of these brutally functional buildings.

No farmer toiling with the unremitting demands of working with nature is going to be suddenly struck by the need for a Palladian pigsty or a Baroque barn. The changes should be brought about by the manufacturers of these prefab constructions, who should show a little spark of sensitivity for the community and the environment by providing products designed with a little imagination.

Yours faithfully,

T. H. W. MINSHALL

King's Lynn,

Norfolk

10 March