The book presents a chronological survey of over 80 significant housing projects from 20th-century Europe, reflecting the urgent need for affordable housing during various periods, including post-war reconstruction. It highlights how early Modernist principles have influenced contemporary architects addressing today's housing challenges. Each case study features detailed contextual history, analysis, and redrawn plans, making comparisons easier. Notable architects such as Le Corbusier and Aalto are included, showcasing diverse approaches to high-density living.
Mark Swenarton Book order






- 2023
- 2023
From the creator of the beloved Delamina restaurants, this is a collection of healthy home-style recipes packed with the flavours, aromas and stories of Tel Aviv.
- 2022
Dutch Dwellings
The Architecture of Housing
Dutch architect Dick van Gameren's new book features the findings of 25 years of design practice and research and documents some 40 of Van Gameren's own designs through images, plans, and illuminating texts.
- 2021
Homes Fit For Heroes
The Politics and Architecture of Early State Housing in Britain
- 228 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Focusing on the post-World War I era, this book examines the Lloyd George Government's commitment to creating "homes fit for heroes." It provides an in-depth analysis of state housing development and design initiated after the 1918 Armistice, highlighting the social and political context that influenced these efforts. As the first major study on this topic, it sheds light on the challenges and achievements in providing adequate housing for returning soldiers and their families.
- 2017
Focusing on innovative urban design, this book explores a groundbreaking collective housing initiative in Camden during the 1960s and 1970s. A team of architects moved away from traditional tower blocks, opting instead for high-density, low-rise structures that emphasized street-level accessibility and community. The work highlights the significance of these architectural choices and their implications for contemporary urban planning, offering valuable lessons for future developments.
- 2009
Allies & Morrison
- 224 pages
- 8 hours of reading
"This is the first full monograph of one of the most influential architectural firms to have emerged in Britain in the past two decades. Following their victory in their very first competition, Allies & Morrison have gone on to design some of the most admired projects of the past 20 years, including the British embassy in Dublin, the University of Cambridge Sidgwick campus, and Arsenal stadium. In this full study their buildings and projects are documented by drawings, photos, and essays by critics, with comments by Bob Allies and Graham Morrison themselves."