September 2013 Notable Review - Architecture on the Carpet

Brenda Vale

Robert Vale

Architecture on the Carpet

By Brenda and Robert Vale
Thames & Hudson (September 2013)
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Reviewer: Book Board member Allison Arieff (SPUR)

Architecture on the Carpet by Brenda and Robert Vale, 2013 (Thames & Hudson)

“Does architecture drive the toy or does the toy reflect the architecture of the time?” This is the question explored by the Vales’ fascinating exploration into the world of construction toys.

Just like the real world, the urban/suburban divide has existed in the playroom: some building kits, like the odd boil-able, Bakelite Bayko, were distinctly suburban while others, like Bilt-E-Z, inspired component-part-exposing skyscrapers. And there’s the discovery of a toy called “Betta Bilda,” which is now an up-for-grabs name for an architecturally-inclined rapper.

Meccano set, from Architecture on the Carpet. Courtesy of Thames & Hudson

The book explores everything from gender bias to class distinctions of construction toys and reading it made me wish even more that Lego would move away from promoting its meticulously directed kits and more toward less-programmed piles of bricks.

Tudor Minbrix, from Architecture on the Carpet. Courtesy of Thames & Hudson

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