After You Left/They Took It Apart | Chris Mottalini (USA) | By Emma Harrison

In 2007 just days prior to their demolition, photographer Chris Mottalini captured images inside Paul Rudolph-designed buildings across America. What started out as a homage to the American architect is now all that remains of the destroyed modernist homes, striking in their humble simplicity and architectural beauty.

Sat deserted, forgotten about and only illuminated by the slanting glimpses of sunlight that beam through broken and dusty windows, After You Left/They Took It Apart, documents the tragic disregard for mid-century architecture and acts as a uneasy memoir of Rudolph's work. Despite the desolate nature of the images, the photo series explores the faded opulance of the once celebrated homes and in their final portrait, Mottalini captures a timeless elegance that transcends architectural trends and flavours.

To find out more you can buy the book, published by University of Chicago Press.