Denys Lasdun: Architecture, City, Landscape

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A study of the work of Denis Lasdun, this volume examines the ideas and guiding myths behind Lasdun's forms and shows how his architecture fits into both the British and international modern movements, and how it is indebted to classical and earlier traditions. The study is based upon primary documentary sources and 20 years of dialogue with the architect. It is the aim of the text to explain the meaning of such key works as the Bethnal Green housing clusters (1952-4), the Royal College of Physicians (1959), the University of East Anglia (1962) and the Hurva Synagogue project for Jerusalem (1970). Two chapters are devoted to the social history and design process of the whole National Theatre project (1965-76). The book explores Lasdun's idea of architecture as "urban landscape" and deals with the ways in which he has extended the principles of the modern masters into new expressive territories.

Reviews

'At last we have a monograph worthy of the man.' (Architectural Review)

'A fine celebration and reappraisal of Lasdun's work.' (Observer)

'His book is one of the finest on architecture I have ever read.' (Architects' Journal)

Author Bio

William Curtis has won worldwide acclaim for his architectural writing. His books include Le Courbusier: Ideas and Forms and the best-selling Modern Architecture Since 1900, both also published by Phaidon.