The Tecton Group of Modernist architects experimented with new ideas on housing animals at London Zoo in the 1930s, and created some monumental structures in the process.
The Park Hill Estate: The Regeneration of a Brutalist Icon
Dramatically perched above Sheffield city centre, the Brutalist mass of the Park Hill Estate still remains a pervasive presence over the city. In 1961, when the first residents moved in, this was the most ambitious public housing project in post-war Britain.
Joseph Emberton: the architecture of display
I have marvelled at the Waterstones flagship store on Piccadilly countless times, unawares of the architect, Joseph Emberton, who designed it.
Modern architecture: The True Heroes of Post-war Social Housing
RIBA Photograph Curator Justine Sambrook assesses how the post-war optimism for high-rise Modern architecture quickly turned to critical reflection.
Edwin Smith photographs: capturing a time and place
Following the recent exhibition of Edwin Smith photographs at RIBA, the curators explain his work and its relevance to the MidCentury Modern era.
Palm Springs: Californian Modern Architecture expert Robert Imber shares his Desert island Designs
If you happen to be looking for things to do in Palm Springs, you will find Robert Imber’s Palm Springs Modern Tours at the top of the list. Imogen Adams spoke to Robert Imber about his own collection, his thoughts on mid-century design, and his dream commission.
Tower Power: 1968 interiors at the Balfron Tower Pop-up
The flat that Erno Goldfinger inhabited in his iconic high-rise Balfron Tower opened for a Pop-up, furnished with 1968 interiors styled by Tilly Hemingway.
Mary Medd: A female force in British modernism
Mary Medd, a female architectural force in British Modernism, pioneered new designs for schools in the 1950s, earning her the respect of celebrated architect Erno Goldfinger.
Modernist Architect Erno Goldfinger in London
In honour of Open House London, we explore the Modernist home that Architect Erno Goldfinger designed for his family in the 1930s.
Kevin McCloud: Desert Island Designs
We speak to Kevin McCloud of the Grand Designs TV show about his desert island piece of furniture, the architect he’d commission to build his own house and the resurgence in popularity of mid century design.
Isokon Building: A tour of the penthouse apartment
I was recently lucky enough to be invited to the incredible top-floor penthouse in the Isokon building, a Grade-I-listed 1934 masterpiece in London’s Belsize Park, to see the beautifully preserved original interior.
Post-war architecture in Britain: the Spirit of Optimism
Let’s be honest, British post-war architecture can be pretty dull. Architectural critic Ian Nairn coined the word ‘Subtopia’ to describe the bland suburban landscape that has developed over the last century.