A stunning visual celebration of the model for social housing, the Golden Lane Estate.
This is the story of an iconic mid-century housing estate, often seen as the model for housing architecture, captured by its residents.
In 1952 Geoffry Powell won the prestigious architectural competition to redevelop a heavily bombed post-war site in London with housing for key workers. Powell invited Christoph Bon and Peter (Joe) Chamberlin to join him in developing a detailed design for the estate.
70 years on, the much-loved Golden Lane Estate is now Grade II and Grade II* listed. Its high level of detailing, use of materials, colour, and large open communal spaces are exemplary, particularly for council housing.
Their scheme for the estate, influenced by Le Corbusier, was modern and bold. Alongside housing, it incorporated a microcosm of urban facilities: a pub, a swimming pool, shops, a nursery and a community hall. The sense of community and neighbourliness —promoted by the architecture and design — made the estate successful from the off and it remains popular today.
This book captures the stories of current residents, alongside newly commissioned photography of the interiors of each flat type and its exterior. An introduction by architectural historian Elain Harwood looks at the history of the estate and its importance in 20th century architecture.
Beautifully produced, this book will appeal to any architecture enthusiast.
ABOUT THE AUHTOR:
Stefi Orazi is a designer working in the cultural sector. She has a special interest in modernist architecture and is the author of the popular blog ModernistEstates.com, and several books including The Barbican Estate, Modernist Estates and Modernist Estates Europe.
ISBN
9781849945943Title
Golden Lane Estate: An Urban VillageAuthor
Stefi OraziPublisher
BatsfordPublication year
2021Binding
HardcoverLanguage
English
