Oblique Publishing and photographer Alan Ainsworth present a new book focusing on one of Britain's finest examples of post-war architecture. The Barbican is Europe’s largest multi-arts and conference venue and one of London’s best examples of Brutalist architecture. It was developed from designs by architects Chamberlin, Powell and Bon as part of a utopian vision to transform an area of London left devastated by bombing during the Second World War. As a whole, The Barbican has both a residential component while also housing some of London's most prestigious cultural arts institutions.
Chamberlin, Powell & Bon, worked with an instinctive sense of place. The importance they attached to light in pursuit of this goal was an important element of their designs for modern urban life. In this new book, Alan Ainsworth explores for the first time how the architects’ concern for light created extraordinary visual effects which helps create a genuine sense of place. These are captured by his striking black and white photography in an unusual and refreshing view of one of the great architectural achievements of post-war Britain.
The Brvtalist could not be more thrilled about a book of this kind. The idea goes beyond architecture, but looks at even more layers of brutalism and its tenets. Chamberlin, Powell & Bon were heavily influenced by Le Corbusier and The Barbican is a modern architectural marvel. Ainsworth's photographs give the structure a fresh new meaning and provide a whole new perspective on one of Britain greatest achievements. The book also contains an impressive number of contributors including Brvtalist featured and C20 Society director Catherine Croft. Available in print and digital format through Amazon and directly from Oblique.
-JRS
