Lubetkin and Goldfinger: The Rise and Fall of British High-Rise Council Housing

After World War II, Berthold Lubetkin and Ernö Goldfinger designed high-rise council housing, which now holds a poor reputation. Both architects were communist migrants from central Europe who were idealists and dedicated to building the best possible homes for ordinary people. This book aims to highlight their overlooked work and give them the credit they deserve.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2023
Publisher: Book Guild Publishing Ltd

After the Second World War, a new era of high-rise council housing emerged, with Berthold Lubetkin and Ernö Goldfinger as two prominent architects at the forefront. These buildings, once celebrated, have now gained a reputation for their poor quality and negative impact on communities. However, it is essential to recognize that these architects were visionaries who aimed to provide affordable and comfortable homes for ordinary people.

Lubetkin, a Russian-born architect, is credited with building one of the earliest post-war estates in London, Spa Green in Finsbury. His design showcased his commitment to modernism and functionalism, with clean lines and open spaces. Despite facing criticism for his buildings' lack of character, Lubetkin remained steadfast in his belief that architecture should serve the needs of the people.

On the other hand, Goldfinger, a Hungarian-born architect, is best known for designing the controversial Trellick Tower in North Kensington. This towering block of flats, completed in 1965, became a symbol of the post-war urbanization and the decline of traditional working-class neighborhoods. Goldfinger's design was praised for its innovative use of space and materials, but it was also criticized for its lack of consideration for its residents' needs.

Despite their differences, Lubetkin and Goldfinger shared many similarities. Both were communist migrants from central Europe who came to the United Kingdom to pursue their dreams of creating a better society. They were idealists who believed in the power of architecture to shape people's lives and improve their quality of life.

However, their paths to success were not without challenges. Both architects faced criticism and opposition from their peers and the public, who viewed their high-rise council housing projects as a symbol of urban decay and social inequality. Their reputations suffered as their buildings aged and became less functional, and their sometimes-unpleasant personalities added to the negative perception of their work.

Despite these setbacks, Lubetkin and Goldfinger remained dedicated to their vision of building the best possible homes for ordinary people. They believed that architecture should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their social status or income. They worked tirelessly to improve the design and functionality of their buildings, incorporating innovative features and technologies to make them more sustainable and livable.

In recent years, there has been a growing appreciation for the work of Lubetkin and Goldfinger. Their contributions to the field of architecture have been recognized, and their buildings have been restored and preserved to ensure their legacy continues to be celebrated. Lubetkin and Goldfinger's work serves as a reminder of the importance of affordable housing and the role that architects can play in shaping the built environment.

In conclusion, Berthold Lubetkin and Ernö Goldfinger were two visionary architects who left an indelible mark on the landscape of post-war housing. Their high-rise council housing projects, while controversial, were driven by a deep commitment to social justice and the belief that architecture could improve people's lives. Despite facing criticism and setbacks, Lubetkin and Goldfinger remained dedicated to their vision and worked tirelessly to create better homes for ordinary people. Their legacy continues to inspire architects and policymakers today, and their work serves as a reminder of the power of architecture to shape society.

Weight: 196g
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915603746