For the first time ever, a+t research group has conducted an analysis of ten inspiring masterpieces through drawings and texts highlighting the most important contributions made by each of the architects towards developing desirable housing. The book recognizes masters such as Ignazio Gardella, Jean Renaudie, Ralph Erskine and Fumihiko Maki, among others, who defended their own personal vision of architecture, a far reach from dogmatism and closer to users. Each story is a journey through multiple possible links which relate the project with works that preceded it, set it against those of its generation and match it up with recent 21st century designs.

This is neither a canonical list of buildings nor the top ten of collective housing. They were chosen as one chooses one’s friends. Faults and all, they make everything worthwhile.

Contents

Timeline
Chapters:

01 The street in the air
Justus van Effen Complex. Michiel Brinkman
Rotterdam,1919-1922

02 The sinking of the social condenser
Narkomfin Dom-Kommuna. Moisei Ginzburg, Ignaty Milinis
Moscow, 1928-1932

03 Cheaper, faster, lighter and taller
Cité de la Muette. Beaudouin, Lods, Mopin, Bodiansky
Paris, 1931-1934

04 The elegance of the dissident
Housing for Borsalino employees. Ignazio Gardella
Alessandria,1948-1952

05 The project as script
Multi-purpose complex in Corso Italia. Luigi Moretti
Milan,1949-1956

06 An exquisite ghetto
Barbican. Peter Chamberlin, Geoffry Powell, Christof Bon, Arup
London, 1956-1976

07 Cristal liquide
Résidence du Point du Jour. Fernand Pouillon
Paris,1957-1963

08 Slow city
Hillside Terrace. Fumihiko Maki
Tokyo, 1967-1998

09 Building moods
Byker regeneration. Ralph Erskine
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1969-1982

10 My terrace, in front of my house, over yours
Jeanne Hachette Complex. Jean Renaudie
Paris, 1970-1975

Bibliography
Index of names
Image credits

Este libro está disponible también en español.