Estate benefits: in support of the communal, the concrete and the creative

Modernist Estates by Stef Orazi explores post-war housing and is unapologetically supportive of the communal, the concrete, and the creative.

(Image credit: Jessica Klingelfuss )

By Jonathan Bell

last updated 30 September 2022

in Features

Stef Orazi, a graphic designer with a clutch of high-profile cultural clients, has long been fascinated by architect-designed estates. So she set up the blog Modernist Estates, focusing on property for sale and in-depth interviews.

Publisher Frances Lincoln approached her with a book proposal, and now her imagery and interviews have made a neat transition from screen to page. The flats on display (such as London’s Alexandra and Ainsworth Estate) are shaped by modernism’s relentless rise in popularity and the keen eyes of the inhabitants – typically design-industry types with well-curated living spaces.

‘The book is about a unique time in recent British history when architects, planners and the government had ambition and vision,’ says Orazi, who is pictured at her own London home, part of an estate by Benson + Forsyth.

As originally featured in the October 2015 edition of Wallpaper* (W*199)

Stef Orazi,&nbsp;pictured at her own London home — Stef Orazi, pictured at her own London home, part of an estate by Benson + Forsyth.

Architect Neave Brown Pictured — … alongside in-depth interviews with their high-profile architects and planners. Pictured: architect Neave Brown.

The book was borne out of the&nbsp;graphic designer's fascination with architect-designed estates — The book was borne out of the graphic designer's fascination with architect-designed estates.

INFORMATION

Modernist Estates, by Stef Orazi, published by Frances Lincoln, £25

Jonathan Bell has written for Wallpaper* magazine since 1999, covering everything from architecture and transport design to books, tech and graphic design. He is now the magazine’s Transport and Technology Editor. Jonathan has written and edited 15 books, including Concept Car Design, 21st Century House, and The New Modern House. He is also the host of Wallpaper’s first podcast.