Motivation
The first time I came across Alexandra & Ainsworth Estate (AAE) was through a post on the London Brompton Club’s Facebook page. Jenny Hung, an active member of the club, had organized a riding event to explore London’s “ugly” architecture. It was one of her photos of AAE that caught my attention, and I discovered that such architectural style is referred to as Brutalism.
However, the “ugly,” peculiar, and unconventional nature of Brutalism was quite different from what I had anticipated or imagined when I first travelled to the UK as a master’s student. Ten years ago, apart from London, it was rare to come across modern office buildings and luxury apartments in most cities across the UK. I vividly recall my journey by train from Manchester Airport to Sheffield, where I found myself questioning whether I was truly studying in the UK due to the stark contrast in architecture.
Modernism vs Brutalism
Hampstead used to be known as a prestigious area, drawing in artists, politicians, architects, musicians, and other individuals with high social standing and reputation. From the 1930s, modernism gained popularity in building design and furniture production within the community. However, Brutalism, a type of post-war architecture, does not align with the traditional standards or lifestyles of Hampstead. In particular, most residential buildings in the brutalist style are social houses – often identified by their green labels. This contradiction, however, sparked our research interest in exploring how a balance between modernism and brutalism is achieved in the everyday lives of Hampstead residents.
Film and TV Industries
A popular BBC drama – Bodyguard is filmed here. The houses in the area are known for their access to private outdoor spaces, and after the collapse of Ronan Point, they shifted away from the trend of high-rise tower blocks and adopted a low-rise building style. The estate also features a distinctive crescent shape that follows the curve of the nearby railway tracks. These unique features may create a miserable atmosphere and later popularise it as a film shoot location. As a result, other TV shows like Spooks, Silent Witness, London Spy and New Tricks have all been filmed here.
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