Aviva Building

The building lies by the River Ouse, on a prominent site in the centre of the historic city.

Paul initially proposed a modern building, based around "tumble down masonry cubes" which would create a traditional skyline.

The York Civic Trust successfully argued for a more traditional design, including gables and windows with mullions and transoms.

Patrick Nuttgens wrote approvingly of the design as fitting in with the city's heritage, but Peter Davey writing in the Architectural Review criticised its facadism.

[1] The building originally housed the regional headquarters of the General Accident insurance company.