USING IMAGINATION (Grand Designs)

Member Name: thingywhatsit

Product:	Grand Designs
Date:	08/11/05 (480 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: innovative and imaginative.

Disadvantages: Dreams not always fulfilled.

I have been watching the series Grand Designs because since living in Brittany and being involved in innovative renovation works on my last two homes, it was interesting to me to see other people's ideas put into practice.

The program is a very good one in comparison with the more temporary fix it programs that seem to be the norm on British television, in that instead of trying to make a silk purse out of a cows ear, and fixing rooms or trying to make repairs to existing homes, this program goes a huge step furhter.

Each program follows the progress of people who want something a little out of the ordinary, and are willing, in some cases, to put huge amounts of money, and indeed risk, into making the home of their dreams, and one of the best things about this program is that it is not exclusively rich people spending money getting someone else to undertake the work for them. Each case is different, each build unique, and you are taken from conception of the idea through the stages that make the idea work, guided on the progress made by the presenter, who seems astounded sometimes that huge ideas can actually be realised by shere determination on the part of people that want to step away from the "norm" and make their mark on the housing stakes with original thinking, hard work and care. Kevin McCloud's realistic approach to each project actually helps the program's pull, as he looks into each aspect of the Building from a pessimists point of view, or at least a very realistic one.

From a woodman's cottage in Sussex, to a chapel in Cornwall, and an Oak Framed House in Argylle, the ideas and ideals that the program directors have chosen to feature are interesting from start to finish, suiting not only country dwellers, but city dwellers as well. The cross section of houses featured is amazing and the range of expertise of owners truly something to marvel at.

Grand Designs is well worth watching because I believe that as homes become more and more expensive in the UK, it shows that people are deciding to use individual needs in the design of homes that excell the expectations, and that give the owners that little bit of individuality that has been somewhat lacking on the housing front in the uk, or rather exclusively thought of as something for the rich.

I have followed the program since its start, and whilst some choices of housing seem modern and sparce to me, what I find really enjoyable is that in many of the buildings, people are looking for features of quality, and here they are going back in time to the proven qualities of oak whilst also looking into the most practical ways of providing the house with efficient and innovative heating systems and lighting.

The program is actually looking for more people that are interested in having their project televised and I believe will be an interesting one to keep track of, since ideas are for ever changing, and if the quality of the programs that I have seen so far are anything to judge the program on, I would honestly believe this to be the best of all the Do it Yourself programs currently shown on television.

From the Channel Four site, people can get in touch with the producers of the program if they have a project that they feel merits the attention that this program gives to each project, and what is evident is that the title is apt. Grand Designs is just what it says it is, and shows you big ideas and ideals put into practice in such a way that you feel moved by the moments of disaster, and pleased with the moment of triumph of each of the home creators who have participated whilst working on their own grand designs.

Thumbs up channel 4 for a program worth watching that takes the Do it Youself world a step further than most.

Also by the same team, Grand Designs abroad is astounding.

A definite program to watch and one that I highly recommend.

Rachel

Summary: Super program for ideas.