Cook's Camden: The Making of Modern Housing 2018

seems gives a good view of the times ... hadn't realised before quite how fortunate, how privileged, they were - bright young people, very well funded & very well paid, and let free - way beyond the norm ... which makes a difference, both to what they could do and their enthusiasm for doing it ... explains a lot ! Not as innovative as I had thought - ie: they got their ideas very much from what they'd been fed at the AA, from the US, and from the example set by Atelier 5 at Siedlung Halen, near Bern ...

I’ve seen images of some of these developments in film and TV series; this book, which is detailed and thorough, told me how they came to be built. It’s very well illustrated, with photographs of the various developments from the time they were built (1960s and 70s), and today. There are also many interesting (modern) photographs of the interiors, and plans. I also found the explanation of the changing political landscape in Camden, and its effect on some of the projects, very interesting: Camden council and the housing committee swung from traditional Labour, to Conservative, to ‘Hard Left Labour - Ken Livingstone was chairman of Camden housing committee at one point - during the era in question. I found it to be a fascinating and engaging account of a time when architects were idealists, and of the developments they were able to get built to express some of that idealism.

Excellent narrative and photosPolitical viewpoint clear and necessaryInvaluable historic document for both specialists and general reading public - and without doubt, a "good read"Amusing and good fun, not a stodgy textbookCannot praise this book highly enough

Great.

Excellent account of the practicalities of building decent social housing in Camden.

Quite a hefty layout of cash, but worth every penny. We are used to hearing council estates endlessly slagged off, and some are teribble, but this is a great study into what can be achieved with a built of care, money, and the backing of a decent planning authority.

Excellent history and fascinating story which I had indirect connections

Book arrived quickly and in perfect condition.It is a beautiful book, full of interesting photographs and history. Perfect gift for anyone interested in London architecture and social history