Robin Hood Gardens re-visions

Robin Hood Gardens is a development of flats in Tower Hamlets, London, designed by the internationally-known architects Alison and Peter Smithson and completed in 1972. It has been the subject of media attention, especially since 2007, owing to a redevelopment proposal and a campaign to save the building by listing. The main piece in the book reviews the history of the building, its critical reception and false perceptions about its current performance and presumed 'failure'. It argues that the building is fit for purpose and that its destruction would be a waste of a physical and cultural resource. Other contributions from architects, housing specialists etc. reinforce the argument, with period and modern photos and the first publication in English of a TV film script by the architects about the project. [Publisher/Distributor's description] This book uncovers the history of the project, arguing for its historical and architectural significance and for its future role in local housing provision. It includes support from architects Richard Rogers and Zaha Hadid, with previously unpublished text and pictures by Alison + Peter Smithson and photographs by Sandra Lousada and Ioana Marinescu. With contributions by: Catherine Croft, Alan Powers, Dirk van den Heuvel, Ken Baker, Simon Smithson, Amanda Baillieu, Zaha Hadid, Sir Stuart Lipton, Peter St John, Neil Jackson, Deborah Saunt, Richard Rogers, Ann Power, Dan Cruickshank