Architextures Revisited 07 – Francesca – Brutalism

Francesca’s art and architecture-inspired show Architextures returns with a two-hour musical journey centered around Brutalism and Brutalist architecture. Tune in to explore tracks from artists like Biosphere, Underworld, Orbital, Air Max ’97, and many more, as the show explores the raw and bold aesthetics of this architectural style through sound. What an absolute pleasure it is to revisit Francesca and Architextures here on Pen vs Sword re-OpenLab.

Architextures Concept and Theme

In Architextures, London Based Dj/Producer Francesca presents soundscapes exploring music as ‘an immaterial form of artistic expression; the articulation of modernist movements and cultural philosophies through multisensory meshworks in orbit’. She constructs each episode meticulously, layering different sounds and genres to create a cohesive auditory experience.

Musical Style and Selection

Francesca’s musical selection for Architextures is diverse and expansive. She draws from a wide range of genres, including ambient, electronic, experimental, and world music. Each episode is a tapestry of sounds, woven together to create a mood or tell a story. Francesca has a talent for finding the connections between seemingly disparate pieces of music, blending them seamlessly into a unified whole. This approach not only showcases her deep knowledge and appreciation of music but also introduces listeners to new and unexpected sounds.

This Shows Theme

Brutalism emerged in post-war Britain in the 1950s, characterized by its bold, monolithic structures and a geometric, blocky aesthetic. Brutalist buildings are often defined by their large-scale use of poured concrete and modular elements, which form distinct functional zones that come together as a unified whole.

The style became closely linked with socially progressive housing projects, where architects and planners envisioned “streets in the sky” as part of a utopian vision for urban living. However, as high-rise Brutalist structures became associated with crime, social deprivation, and urban decay, the style fell out of favour, leading to the demolition of many Brutalist buildings across the UK.

Despite its decline, Brutalism has continued to influence later architectural movements, such as high-tech architecture and deconstructivism. In recent years, it has undergone a critical reappraisal, with several buildings, like London’s Barbican Centre, now recognized as significant architectural landmarks.

Listen to Francesca on re-OpenLab Architextures Revisited 07 – Brutalism:

Originally aired over four years ago, the show often features rare and obscure tracks, providing a platform for lesser-known artists and genres. Francesca’s ability to unearth these hidden gems and present them in an accessible way is one of the hallmarks of Architextures. Her selections often include a mix of contemporary and classic tracks, creating a dialogue between the past and present of musical innovation.

*SoundCloud player Artwork by Herbert Bayer.

Playlist

Vladivostok – Sonmi451 Mary – Underworld
Luminist Modular – Datach’i
Audio Track 5 – Actress x London Contemporary Orchestra 07 BASF Extra Side A – Track 4 – DJ Guy
Momentum – Actress x London Contemporary Orchestra DF 23 – Norken
Belfast – Orbital
Broken Dreams – Ineffekt
Thera – Steve Rachmad
Unfound – Appleblim
Decryption – Biosphere
Music Works for Industry – Marc Barreca
A Final Hit – Leftfield
Mmm…Skyscraper I love You (edit) – Underworld
Weather Experience (edit) – The Prodigy
Fear Colours (Barbican Version) – LoneLady
Islands – Entaclishus
In Dark Trees – Brian Eno
Akoluthic Phase – Hiro Kone
Track 14 – LFO
Ice Bridge – Air Max ‘97
Day World – The Other World Collective
Zoviet France – Light Abrasion
Zoviet France – Purline
Astralwerks – Model 500
Fabrication of Silence – Hiro Kone
Ancient Vibrations III – Dublicator
Space Woman (Instrumental) – Charlie

Architextures Listening Experience

Listening to Architextures is an immersive experience. Francesca’s thoughtful curation and smooth transitions create a continuous flow of music that captivates the listener from start to finish. The show is designed to be an auditory journey, with each episode offering a unique exploration of sound. Whether it’s the ambient soundscapes that evoke a sense of calm and introspection or the more upbeat electronic tracks that energize and inspire, Architextures caters to a wide range of moods and emotions.

Impact and Reception

Since its inception, Architextures has garnered a dedicated following. Listeners appreciate Francesca’s distinctive approach to music curation and the high-quality production of the show. The program became a staple for those seeking an alternative to mainstream radio, offering a refreshing and innovative perspective on music.

Architextures has also had a positive impact on the broader music community. By featuring a wide range of artists and genres, the show helped to promote diversity and inclusivity in music. It provides a platform for emerging artists and brings attention to music that might otherwise go unheard.

Architextures by Francesca on openlab.fm is more than just a radio show; it’s an artistic endeavour that celebrates the rich and varied landscape of music. Through her careful curation and passion for discovery, Francesca has created a program that still resonates deeply with listeners and contributes meaningfully to the world of music. Architextures stands out as a testament to the power of music to inspire, connect, and transform.

*Resident Advisor Francesca Mackay
**Instagram Francesca Mackay

About OpenLab:

Founded in 2013 by electronic music pioneer, composer and DJ Robert Miles and inspired by the creative spirit of Ibiza. OpenLab was conceived specifically to showcase the best in innovative yet accessible music and visual art.

Broadcasting worldwide via www.openlab.fm and on 106.4 FM in Ibiza and Formentera, OpenLab champions the worlds most exciting producers, artists, DJ’s and visual artists, offering their community a glimpse of ‘Tomorrows World.. Today’.

You can listen to their Live Radio broadcasts here https://openlab.fm/radio/on-air or download their App:
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