Books: Connell Ward & Lucas

Few modernist architectural practices have acquired a posthumuous reputation as esteemed as Connell, Ward and Lucas. Basil Ward and Amyas Connell were New Zealanders, drawn to inter-war England by the prospect of immersing themselves in architectural practice and study. Together, they created a unique modernist aesthetic, one that drew on their broad and eclectic knowledge of classical architecture and material innovation, aided by an indulgent set of forward-thinking clients. Joined by Colin Lucas in 1934, the firm rode the crest of the wave of notoriety that accompanied their stark, white-walled and flat-roofed buildings. Ten years in the making, Sharp and Rendel's excellent monograph charts the architects' output and eventual legacy, with a comprehensive overview of all their built projects.

29 August 2008 | Architecture