Brutal Architecture again
Interesting discussions are currently going on in the UK raised by the uncertain future of Robin Hood Gardens estate in London (built by the Smithsons).
One of the more interesting quotes is from Stephen Bayley in the Observer in his rather good piece on "brutal architecture", titled "You want the brutal truth? Concrete can be beautiful" :
"...Worse, the unintelligent housing policies of Tower Hamlets populated Robin Hood Gardens with the tenants least likely to be able to make sensible use of the accommodation. We have to whisper it, but the Unité d'Habitation works because it is populated by teachers, psychologists, doctors, graphic designers, not by single mothers struggling with buggies."
Bayley is somewhat harsh on the tennents there, and I doubt he's been speaking to them. Yet I think there may be some truth in his statement.
Dan Hill has a good and thorough post on the issue, highlighting different aspects and oppinions on city of sound: "Robin Hood Gardens is not the same as a digital model of Robin Hood Gardens..." read on.
Picture by John Levett