Claude Megson Counter Constructions
Giles Reid
This is a book on New Zealand architect, Claude Megson (1936-1994).
It features five of his most significant houses, designed in the 1970’s, when his architecture was at its most daring and experimental.
1972 Barr House
1973 Norris House
1973 Cocker Townhouses
1974 Rees Townhouses
1977 Bowker House
The essay provides an introduction to Megson’s career, considers his current reputation and analyses the five houses. It explores how Megson:
Organised space through diagonal views and movement
Tied the building to a cultivated landscape
Articulated their external appearance with the ‘house image’
How he invoked ritual as the means to challenge social conventions
The book reproduces a number of Megson’s richly detailed drawings, from his sketches through to construction documents.
The heart of the book is a photo essay by Jackie Meiring, bringing Megson’s best works to life and showing how they are lived in today.
Giles Reid
For more information visit
www.counterconstructions.com