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Brutal London – Construct Your Own Concrete Capital: Ether Signposts #4/52a

Brutal London-Construct Your Own Concrete Capital book-PrestelWell, in what seems to have grown into a mini-theme after the recent appearance around these parts of a Delia Derbyshire dioramas and Midwich Cuckoos bunting, alongside a somewhat growing romance for these once (and possibly still) unloved buildings.

From the accompanying text:

“In this fun and intellectually stimulating book, readers can recreate a number of London’s most renowned Brutalist buildings. Opening with an informative history of the origins and philosophy of Brutalist architecture, the book then focuses on 9 buildings, including the Barbican Estate, Robin Hood Gardens, Balfron Tower and the National Theatre. The first part of the book looks at the significance of each of these buildings, with a short chapter on each, complete with texts and images. The second part of the book consists of a series of 9 pre-cut and folded buildings, printed on heavy card stock, that readers can detach and construct with easy-to-follow instructions. At once fun and informative, this unique book offers a challenging and entertaining approach to architecture. With a foreword by Norman Foster.”

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Not just in terms of the period nature of its subject matter but possibly because of the book’s presentation and the accompanying text, it reminds me of educational literature from a previous era and though not implicitly implied puts me in mind of hauntological work that is inspired by or creates a shadow/simulacra/parallel world view of such things.

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So, you may not need a set of brutalist buildings all of your own that you can build and keep… but, if you’re anything like me, I expect you may well want some…

Designed and created by Zupagrafika…

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(File under: Other Pathway Pointers And Markers)

Destinations and directions:
Brutal London – Construct Your Own Concrete Capital

 

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