Alexandra and Ainsworth Estate - London, England

A utopia in concrete form—this iconic estate redefines what Brutalism truly stands for: not just exposed material and bold form, but housing and the shaping of communities.

Designed by Neave Brown, it’s a vision of social housing delivered with care and clarity. Every detail—down to the built-in flower beds and the red and blue railings separating residential from communal—was designed with residents in mind.

As the first post-war social housing project to be Grade II* listed—and the youngest building to receive such status—it stands as a living monument to the idea that architecture can serve people first.

Thanks to a successful Heritage Lottery Fund bid, the adjoining Alexandra Road Park has been restored, strengthening the estate’s original vision of integrated community life.

Still standing. Still lived in. Still radical.