Modernist Estates: The buildings and the people who live in them

Gorgeous and absolutely fascinating! This is a thorough and affectionate exploration of almost two dozen Modernist public housing complexes in England. Most were built during the postwar era, though the overall range spans from the 30s to the 90s. It brought to mind some of the later seasons of Call the Midwife, which often dealt with London's housing crisis. Several characters moved into flats like these and it was interesting to get a real-life look at the types of places they lived.The exterior of each complex is featured, along with an informative article about how the building was designed and what its fate has become over time. Then a resident is interviewed with a standard set of questions and there is a set of stunning photographs of the interior of their homes. It's amazing how much beauty can be found even in the most brutal of brutalist structures!This book would certainly be of interest to architecture buffs, as well as people interested in engineering, urban planning, and postwar English history, but I think almost anyone could appreciate the gorgeous pictures and unique look at a distinct time in modern history.Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

This is an attractive book reflecting the modern taste for modernist/brutalist architecture. It covers works by Goldfinger, SPAN, etc with a brief architectural scene setting for each development, interview with the householder and series of interior shots.By and large the interiors have a hipster-ish vibe to them, Shoreditch gets a few mentions and every other person seems to be an architect or graphic designer. The interiors have a relaxed liveable feeling, much like an old Habitat catalogue.Although the bright yellow cloth spine and plain cardboard cover are certainly striking they are not terribly practical. My copy arrived slightly battered, and feels a rather fragile thing.Although the point is not laboured, it is clear that the longstanding lack of a proper government policy for housing is making decent city living ever more precarious.

Great. We live in a 60s modernist house designed by Ted Hollamby who's featured in the book. Recommended for anyone who doesn't want to see 60s modern demolished.

I first saw the author posting on Instagram and I loved the pictures so I wanted to know more about the story behind the architecture.Really interesting and it sits on the coffee table in our entertaining room. Guests always pick it up and have a good read.

interesting book with lots of details and pictures on the architecture

Love this book. A great look at people today who live in modernist estates. It's an honest and unpretentious account of the buildings and the people that live in them. It also helps that it is beautifully designed and printed. Double thumbs up.