Ex-RAF officer turned journalist Ian Nairn squeezes into a Morris Minor convertible, and in a workman-like fashion he starts the car and is off again. He has things to see, and places to visit. The timeframe is early fifties to early eighties.

His subject is architecture and as a presenter, his delivery is like no other. At first, his tone might be mistaken for one of resignation - as if its too late or he can't really be bothered to waste energy on explaining things. However, it soon becomes apparent that this man is passionate and totally absorbed by his subject as suppressed undertones of excitement, humour, scorn, or even quavering anger creep into the narrative. His delivery is one of sincerity and heart-felt as he talks about the progress and history of post-war architecture, especially urban architecture and town planning, such as public buildings, places of worship, modern housing, infrastructure, and the use (or misuse) of open spaces.

Nairn was critical. Poor planning, blandness, neglected buildings, demolition of historic examples, and thoughtless design were some of the subjects that incured the harshest commentaries. Conversely, Nairn had high praise for good architecture both historical and modern, and considered detail or locations that many might overlook, or not even consider such as the quality of modern construction, thoroughfares and alleyways, or the design aspects of ordinary or functional buildings. Most of all, he offered 'sense of place' and considered the feel and function of places and spaces on an emotional level, and in terms of the people who lived and worked in particular cities and towns, both past and present. He particularly liked the more industrial towns and cities in the north of England - especially Newcastle.

His writing style is just as engaging as his presentations, and he produced many books. Anyone who can turn a city guide into a good read has to have great communication skills and a deep understanding of their subject. Nairn did just this when he authored guides to London and Paris in the sixties, and again through his collaboration with architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner. He also wrote columns for British newspapers including the Observer and The Sunday Times, and continued to write about architecture until the early eighties.

Ian Nairn lived and loved his subject and was deeply concerned about the future of urban development, but there was also a lighter side to him with humour and dry wit, along with a love of pubs and beer. As a writer, he was very much his own man and told it as it was, or more importantly, how it should be. Planners could learn a lot from someone like Nairn, and his forthright style makes things understandable for the layman who perhaps knows little about urban planning, but knows when their environment is bland or even ugly.

Ian Nairn was in his early fifties when he died in 1983. The world of architecture lost a much needed critic. Some may argue about his opinions or views, but there is no doubt that he sparked interest and debate in a subject that affects everyone's environment in some way. If you've never really considered architecture, a few minutes with Ian Nairn can kindle an interest, and open eyes to post-war architecture in a very accessible way.

There are no websites or online media supporting Ian Nairn's work or legacy directly. Most of his documentary material is held by BBC archives and is accessible via the BBC iPlayer. His books are still available, and although some of the information is now out of date, they offer interesting ideas and opinions that are still relevant today.

By Matt Sheen MMXX - See video playlist for references

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