At Home in London: The Mansion Block

A well organised, clearly and accessibly written book. A useful, beautifully illustrated studio companion with drawings to scale and top quality photography. An excellent resource for professionals and for students or architecture and the design of cities.

Karin Templin has produced a remarkable book on a timely subject. She has researched the history of a building type in London that has long been overlooked, the Mansion Block, one that has recently been resurrected as an important way to build high density multi-family housing which can contribute to the city's streetscape and London's urban fabric. Looking at three distinct historic periods, the late 19th Century, the 1930's, and from 2010 to the present, she examines 27 case studies that illustrate the evolution of this building typology. The photographs, accurate building plans, figure ground drawings and street sections thoughfully showcase her choices. The text is succinct and filled with interesting nuggets. The book is a beautiful design in itself.