An Open Mind: The Work of Hudson Architects

Hudson Architects was initially known for contemporary one-off houses, which in many ways defined its early public persona. This book, the first comprehensive monograph of Hudson Architects, illustrates how, unafraid to challenge established ways of working, the practice has developed a diverse and complex portfolio across a range of sectors. A series of illustrated essays by key authors and commentators on contemporary architecture in the UK and beyond examines their work, from the practice's skill in beautiful detailing to its ability to create a modern response to vernacular and tradition. The book also showcases the practice's recent civic and community buildings, and its community engagement work.

What emerges is a sophisticated architectural language, a bold approach to context through confident reinterpretations of local vernacular architecture, pioneering sustainable, pre-fabricated construction that does not compromise on style and an approach to conservation that breaks new ground in practice by fusing sound principles with extraordinarily contemporary design thinking.

Peter Blundell Jones is Professor of Architecture at Sheffield University, having previously taught at Cambridge under Colin St John Wilson. He is one of the authors of Pattern Place Purpose (Black Dog Publishing, 2011) and of biographies on Hans Scharoun and Hugo Haring. Blundell Jones has written for The Architectural Review and The Architects Journal.

Jay Merrick is the architecture critic of The Independent, and has written on architecture and art for publications in Britain, the US and Australia, including Blueprint, Architects Journal, London Magazine, New Statesman, Art + Auction, and Monument. Jay has also written texts for monographs on leading architectural practices including Grimshaw & Partners, John McAslan + Partners, Arup Associates, and the Danish practice Schmidt Hammer Lassen.

Alan Powers is currently Professor of Architecture and Cultural History at the University of Greenwich, London. He has worked in architectural preservation and as a freelance author and lecturer, publishing books on architecture, art and design. He is a joint editor of the journal Twentieth Century Architecture for the Twentieth Century Society, and Chairman of Pollock s Toy Museum, London. He was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the RIBA. Previous books include Modern: The Modern Movement in Britain, 2005 and Pattern Place Purpose (Black Dog Publishing, 2011).

Sarah Wigglesworth is principal of Sarah Wiggles