Pointless Balconies

As I age I become more and more enamoured with ornamental balconies – particularly on public buildings.  There is a staggering pointlessness to them that invites admiration.  Take this ornamental balcony on the brutal beacon of urban ugliness that is Croydon Crown Court. 

The building is deliberately as ugly as the worst crimes that are judged in there but I like the fact that the architect has taken the time to include an ornamental balcony in his plan – even if it’s only a concrete portico between the pillars of the two lift shafts that protrude the roof.

I like the idea that from time to time the judge goes up there to survey his judicial domain.  That he would take the time to engage in civic functions up there.  Perhaps even make speeches up there.  The only time I have seen the judges, or persons I presume to be the judges, ingress and egress from the building is when they hurry through the doors hoping not to be seen.  Or scurry out of the underground car park in their medium sized functional estate cars.

But one day there will be a civic function of such monumental importance that such potentates will stand upon this monument dressed in all their regalia, raise the Union Jack upon the flag pole, and speak to the assembled populous wisdom to rival King Solomon.

At least in my dreams… In the mean time society’s criminal losers, unfortunate victims and judicial winners will continue to scurry in and out with faces full of guilt, importance, impotence and often misery and no one will have time to tarry on the roof.