Wide Angle View: Architecture as social space in the Manplan series 1969-70

The Architectural Review launched 'Manplan' in 1969, a groundbreaking project that analyzed the state of architecture and urban planning in Britain. Conceived by Hubert de Cronin Hastings, it ran as a series of eight special issues, each devoted to an individual area of human activity affected by design and planning choices. Guest editors worked with photographers from photojournalism and street photography, who captured powerful images of people inhabiting and using the spaces studied. The photographs, reproduced in matt-black ink, were a critical comment on contemporary living conditions and embodied the idealism of the 1960s. The exhibition and catalogue showcase previously unpublished photographs by renowned professionals, making it a significant contribution to architectural and social history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2023
Publisher: RIBA Publishing

The Architectural Review, a renowned publication, had a longstanding commitment to advocating for significant concerns related to the built environment. Throughout its history, photography had played a pivotal role in their strategic approach, serving as a powerful medium to convey ideas and make them accessible to a broader audience. However, their groundbreaking project in 1969, known as 'Manplan,' marked a revolutionary departure both in terms of scope and execution. Conceived by Hubert de Cronin Hastings, the magazine's long-time proprietor and part-time editor, 'Manplan' was envisioned as an in-depth examination of the state of architecture and urban planning in Britain at the close of the decade. It unfolded as a series of eight special issues, spanning from September 1969 to September 1970.

Each issue of 'Manplan' was dedicated to a specific area of human activity that was profoundly influenced by design and planning decisions. Under the guidance of series editor Tim Rock, each issue featured a guest editor who collaborated with a specially invited photographer drawn from the realms of photojournalism and street photography. Unlike traditional architectural photography, these photographers were chosen for their ability to capture the human element within the built environment. The photographs taken for the 'Manplan project went beyond mere illustration, effectively articulating the themes of each issue. They often featured individuals occupying and utilizing the spaces studied by the survey, shifting the focus from the architecture itself to the human presence within the constructed environment.

Designers Michael Reid and Peter Baistow, who were also accomplished photographers, crafted a visually striking backdrop for the guest photographers' work. Imbued with the spirit. spirit of photo-reportage and captured on 35mm cameras, the black and white images were reproduced with remarkable impact. Often appearing on full pages, the photographs were printed using a special matt-black ink, further enhancing their dramatic quality. The overarching message conveyed by 'Manplan' was a powerful and unambiguous one. Through the lens of photography, it highlighted the profound impact of design and planning choices on the human experience, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces that not only serve functional purposes but also nurture and enrich the lives of those who inhabit them. The 'Manplan project' remains a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the ability of architecture to shape the world around us. Its legacy continues to inspire architects, planners, and policymakers to prioritize the human dimension in their work, creating environments that are not only functional but also meaningful and enriching.

Weight: 716g
Dimension: 245 x 285 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915722331