The Urbanist Tall Stories 459: Robin Hood Gardens, London
May 19, 2025
Discover how the V&A East Storehouse is reviving the memories of Robin Hood Gardens, a brutalist icon. Hear about the untold stories of its former residents through the eyes of students exploring vibrant narratives. The podcast showcases the transformative power of art in the community, revealing resilience through creativity and color. It also emphasizes the importance of food and storytelling in connecting diverse cultures, making museum narratives more relevant to everyday lives.
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Saving Brutalist Robin Hood Gardens
- Robin Hood Gardens was designed with long curved concrete blocks and wide aerial walkways for social housing in East London.
- As it was demolished, the V&A acquired a large section to preserve both the structure and residents' stories.
Youth Capture Residents' Stories
- Local young people studied Robin Hood Gardens and created various artistic responses capturing residents' lives.
- Their projects include films, oral histories, paintings, ceramics, and community cookbooks.
Colors Reflecting Community Spirit
- Adrian explored Robin Hood Gardens focusing on the colors residents used, symbolizing their personality and support.
- Despite demolition, workers and the environment reflected vibrant community spirit with red and England flags.