Sir Denys Lasdun Interactive Timeline
Created to celebrate one hundred years since the birth of one of the UK’s most significant architects, this interactive timeline explores the life of Sir Denys Lasdun.
Every building has, at its heart, a generating idea, which must express itself through every part and in every detail.”
Sir Denys Lasdun Biography
For those using a screen-reader or unable to access the above timeline, here are the details of Sir Denys Lasdun’s life and architectural career:
September 8, 1914
A Child is Born
Denys Louis Lasdun is born in Pembridge Place, London to a Russian businessman, Nathan, and an Australian musician, Julie Abrahams.
1917
The Return to London
After spending time in Australia, a 3-year-old Denys returns to London via America and moves into the Vandyke Hotel.
1932 — 1935
Student Life
Lasdun studies at the Architectural Association in London. During this time, he wins an award for the design of a student hostel in Regent’s Park and travels to Paris to see Le Corbusier’s work. He leaves AA after 3 years without receiving a diploma.
1935 — 1937
First Job
Lasdun starts work for Wells Coates, part of the MARS (Modern Architecture Research) Group.
1937
Self-Build
Lasdun completes his first house at 32 Newton Road in Paddington, following Le Corbusier’s domino principle.
1937
Tecton
Lasdun joins Berthold Lubetkin’s practice.
September 3, 1939 — April 1, 1945
War
Lasdun serves with the Royal Engineers in the Second World War, assisting in the construction of airfields.
1947
Lasdun sets up in practice with Lindsay Drake.
1951
Hallfield Primary School
Lasdun and Drake complete a two-storey school in Paddington, featuring precast concrete mullions and louvres.
1954
Marriage
Denys Lasdun marries Susan Bendit. Their honeymoon is spent in America visiting modern buildings including those by Mies van der Rohe.
1957
Keeling House
Lasdun’s sixteen-storey block of flats in Bethnal Green is completed. (1954 – 1957)
1959
Denys Lasdun & Partners is established.
1960
St James’ Place
Lasdun builds 26 St James’s Place – London’s first experience of strata.
1962 — 1969
University of East Anglia
In 1962, Lasdun conceives of a new style of student housing that complements the natural surroundings and contributes to student happiness. It is completed in 1969.
1963 — 1976
National Theatre
In 1963, Lasdun is appointed as the architect for the National Theatre on London’s Southbank. On completion in 1976, it receives mixed reviews. In 1988, Prince Charles refers to its construction as: ”a clever way of building a nuclear power station in the middle of London without anyone objecting,” sparking fresh debate.
1964
Royal College of Physicians
The Royal College of Physicians, overlooking Regent’s Park in north London, is completed. (1958 – 1964)
Watch this video on Lasdun’s Royal College of Physicians: the Anatomy of a Building:
1970
Christ’s College New Court
The Cambridge University tiered concrete ‘Typewriter’ is completed. (1966 – 1970)
1975
20 Bedford Way
Lasdun’s ‘massive’ Institute of Education building is completed. It is officially opened by the Queen Mother in 1977.
1976
Knighted
Denys Lasdun becomes Sir Denys Lasdun.
1977
Lasdun wins the R.I.B.A Royal Gold Medal.
1983
IBM Building – Southbank
Built inline with the National Theatre, the IBM Building project is completed. (1979 – 1983)
1992
Lasdun receives R.I.B.A’s 1992 trustees’ medal
1996
Back to the Future
Lasdun is commisioned to revisit his Royal College of Physicians project, adding an extension.
1997
Retrospective
A major retrospective of Lasdun’s work opens at the Royal Academy of Arts in London.
January 11, 2001
Sir Denys Lasdun dies at the age of 86.
He is survived by his wife and three children.
Sir Denys Lasdun Interview
Between 1996 and 1997, Sir Denys Lasdun was interviewed about his life by Jill Lever. The audio recordings have been digitised by the British Library and are divided into 10 parts, exploring all aspects of Lasdun’s life. These interviews assisted greatly in the creation of the above timeline. The full archives can be accessed here.
Sources:
https://www.architecture.com/Explore/Architects/DenysLasdun.aspx
http://www.eafa.org.uk/catalogue/213000
https://www.theguardian.com/news/2001/jan/12/guardianobituaries
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/13/arts/denys-lasdun-is-dead-at-86-english-modernist-architect.html
Further reading on architecture:
Header image of the National Theatre by Tom Spooner. If there any issues with the use of any images featured please contact us.
