Image borrowed from wikipedia – thanks!
I can’t understand any architects who claim to not have an interest in what is termed ‘Brutalist’ Architecture. Large scale, post-war, usually concrete architecture isn’t the easiest on the eye for most people but it represents probably the most exciting and most dynamic period of construction for architects during the 20th century.
Fueled by socialist motivations and visions of modern utopia Britain built big and bold in it’s post-war years. The successes and failures of of construction from this period make for interesting reading and serve as a reminder to all about the importance of genuine place-making and ethical and humane development.
A recent article in Dezeen caught my eye. It concerns a short continuity piece of footage you may have seen on channel four. The footage shows Aylesbury estate in Southwark, a stone’s throw from where I studied for my diploma in Architecture. The grey, system built housing estate is depicted as menacing and intimidating as rubbish blows around and clouds loom in the distance.
The estate is in many ways indistinguishable, other than perhaps in its scale, from other mass housing schemes of its kind, that are synonymous with crime and urban decay, but yet here, the residents have taken the bold step to speak out against the vision presented by channel four by creating their own version of the film. I have huge admiration the people of Aylesbury Estate who have spoken out as a collective and in such a creative way.