The dialectic between modernism and tradition in the work of Mæ.
by Alex Ely - Founder Director of Mæ
Sectional model, the Barbican
19.00-21:00 on 8th April 2025
at the Alan Baxter Associates Gallery, 75 Cowcross St, London EC1M 6EL and online.
Docomomo members go free. To book a member’s ticket please see here. To become a member see here.
Tickets for attendance in person and online are available here. Tickets will also be available on the door. A link to watch the talk online will be sent to attendees before it begins.
The dialectic between modernism and tradition in the work of Mæ.
At the fascinating intersection of modernist innovation and historical continuity, Mæ's architectural practice weaves a compelling narrative of urban evolution. Drawing inspiration from Frederick Gibberd's revolutionary new town paradigms, the ground breaking spatial compositions in postwar social housing, the humanist approaches of Alvar Aalto and the social consciousness of Bruno Taut, this discourse explores the delicate balance between progress and heritage. At its heart, this exploration reveals how Mæ is forging a new path in sustainable and socially responsible design. Their work demonstrates how architecture can simultaneously honour its modernist inheritance while addressing our most pressing contemporary concerns: environmental sustainability, social equity, and cultural enrichment.
Alex Ely
MA(RCA) RIBA MRTPI
Alex Ely is Founder Director of Mæ. He is an architect and winner of RIBA Stirling Prize 2023. Alex has established an international reputation for sustainable architecture and urbanism and specifically for the design of innovative housing and social infrastructure. He leads Mæ’s design direction; and also advisesgovernment and the Mayor of London on urban and planning policy promoting an agenda of design excellence. He has taught at a number of UK Schools of Architecture, written several books–most recently ‘Towards a Resilient Architecture’, and exhibited internationally.