This programme provides a brief guide to the work of the architect Eric Lyons and property development company Span Developments. It places Lyons' architecture in the context of post-war reconstruction and addresses the influence of Maxwell Fry and Walter Gropius upon his work, which combined the use of repeated forms and standardised parts with an artistic view of architecture.

The programme looks at Lyons' early work with Geoffrey Townsend's company 'Modern Homes' and the development of Span ideals, from modern-style building and generous landscaping to the setting up of residential associations. The foundation of Span Developments is outlined and its building style described. The programme is based on the book 'Eric Lyons & Span' by Barbara Simms (2006, RIBA Publishing) and is illustrated with images from the book.

About the contributors

This programme is based on the book 'Eric Lyons & Span' by Barbara Simms (2006, RIBA Publishing), which also provided the illustrations for the programme.

The programme was written and narrated by Austin Williams, producer at NBS Learning Channels and the author and illustrator of 'NBS Shortcuts' – 'how-to' guides on architectural design, practice, regulations and technology.


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