Triumphs, Carbuncles and Hopeful Monsters – The British vs Modern Architecture

30 years ago Prince Charles caused a controversy by calling contemporary British architecture a ‘monstrous carbuncle’. Now, in ‘Triumphs, Carbuncles and Hopeful Monsters – The British vs Modern Architecture’ a panel of architects, designers and writers reflect on these famous words to debate the history and future of modern British buildings.

The discussion will explore developments in techniques and styles along with the factors that triggered them – from environmental concerns to technological innovations. The speakers offer a broad range of architectural expertise: Catherine Croft is director of the Twentieth Century Society, which promotes and protects the heritage of post-1914 designs; Hugh Pearman is editor of the RIBA Journal and architecture critic for The Sunday Times; and Owen Hatherley is a journalist and author of Militant Modernism; A Guide to The New Ruins of Great Britain. Charlie Luxton, who juggles a passion for creating sustainable buildings and a career as a television presenter, will chair the discussion. Whatever your opinion on Modern Architecture, this is set to be a lively debate about very British attitudes towards buildings.