Highpoint
Highpoint is, arguably, the quintessence of 20th-century British architecture, not least because it gives expression to the great building type of the age - high rise communal housing. Like the most powerful early modern architecture in Britain, Highpoint (designed in 1934 by Berthold Lubetkin) carried an ideological message that was intended to bring about social, artistic and political reform. Highpoint was a declaration of intent and - through the application of new technology - was meant to revolutionise the way people live in cities and the way cities themselves are planned and built.
'the greatest among Britain's architects ... have been virtually ignored.'
Of course this choice of buildings will puzzle and even annoy many people. They will assert that obvious choices have been omitted or that too many of the choices are obvious. What of more obscure but equally fascinating and revealing buildings? Even now I can't quite believe that we did not include one of the great Welsh castles of Edward I, which are among the undeniable wonders of their age and of great international significance, or that the greatest among Britain's architects - Sir Christopher Wren, Sir John Soane or Sir Edwin Lutyens - have been virtually ignored. But all is not lost. There could be a second series, and so I welcome not only comment on the current choice but - more particularly - suggestions for future programmes.
Published: 2002-11-01