Denys Lastun, Architecture, City, Landscape

Denys Lasdun (1914-2001) was one of Britain's most eminent architects, whose career spans the entire period of Modernism in British architecture. His notable buildings include the Royal College of Physicians in Regent's Park, the University of East Anglia, the European Investment Bank in Luxembourg and the National Theatre on London's South Bank. In this first full-length study of the architect, William Curtis offers a critical assessment of Lasdun's ideas and achievements, tracing the evolution of his architectural language. With detailed analyses and many outstanding illustrations from the architect's own archive, the author presents a challenge to the critics of Modernism and demonstrates the enduring and human qualities of Lasdun's work.

Review:

'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)

 

 

The search for principles; formative years - the early modern movement in England; the emergence of a theme during the 1950s; modern architecture in a classical setting; architecture as urban landscape; city and theatre - strata for the stage; from idea to form; extending a language; tradition and transformation; writings by Lasdun.