Space, Hope, Brutalism and Co-operation

This was recommended to me over Christmas. The one on the left about English Architecture, not the one on the right about Dulwich. Although the Dulwich Estate have a decent track record when it comes to modernist housing, we'll leave that to another time.

Space, Hope, and Brutalism: English Architecture, 1945-1975 is massive, heavy and fascinating. 

I found some history of the Co-op which was relevant to my interests.

Remarkable to think that in the 50's the Co-op Insurance Boss went on architecture tours in the US to seek inspiration.

And fascinating to learn that the furniture and decoration were designed by Design Research Unit.

Here's a bad photo of the back of that building. Must get myself a proper tour.

There is more interesting stuff about a Co-op in Sheffield, but I'll save that for another post.

 

Design Research Unit, they keep popping up, don't they?

Anyway.