Positives The book is highly praised for its aesthetic qualities, described as a pleasure to look at and touch, mirroring the brutalist buildings it features. It offers a unique and engaging experience, combining a brief essay on the movement with a visual tour of key London buildings. A distinctive feature is the inclusion of paper models, allowing readers to construct the architectures and make them their own, turning reading into a three-dimensional visual exercise. Reviewers note its surprising depth, being more informative and researched than expected for a collection of paper models, and highlight the quality of printing and paper, making it a wonderful collector's item.
Negatives Despite its strengths, some reviewers point out imperfections. One criticism is that the foreword does not significantly contribute to the "story" or main content of the book. The book also lacks interior photographs of the buildings. Additionally, some mentioned buildings are not visually portrayed, requiring readers to search for images online, a task made harder by unclear identifications for some structures. There is also a comment on the authors' overly optimistic portrayal of the current state of certain estates, suggesting a disconnect from their actual, less vibrant condition.
Conclusion Overall, the book presents a highly innovative and engaging approach to appreciating Brutalist architecture. It stands out as a unique blend of visual art, historical context, and interactive model building, celebrated for its research and presentation quality. While it could benefit from more comprehensive visual representation and clearer identification of all structures, its distinct concept and aesthetic appeal make it noteworthy. This book would particularly appeal to architecture enthusiasts, especially those with an interest in Brutalism and London's urban landscape, as well as collectors of unique and beautifully crafted books who enjoy a hands-on, immersive way to explore architectural history.
