Air, Light, and Utopia: The Modern Movement in Architecture

Combining interviews with leading architects, historians, and conservationists with location footage from all over Europe, this program examines the Modern Movement in architecture, from its emergence after World War I until World War II. The first half of the documentary explores the movement’s origins and ideology, spotlighting the Bauhaus in Germany, Le Corbusier in France, the Functionalists in Holland, and the Constructivists in Russia. The second half traces the movement’s growth and spread, emphasizing the influence of the social climate and political environment of the interwar years upon building design. Fathers of Modern Architecture (02:37) Breaking with historical tradition by using science and technology, the fathers of modern architecture experiment with new forms and texture to create new environments. New Tools (01:44) Tools of the modern architect include the modern machine, new materials, and new technologies (e.g. sanitation and plumbing). Steel introduces flexibility. The Bauhaus School (02:19) Founded in Germany in 1919, the Bauhaus School encapsulates fresh and revolutionary methods of teaching, combining the skills of architects and crafts into a new spirit of design. Design Follows Function (02:31) Artists from modern art disciplines merge their skills. The Schroder House has become the icon of steel design in functional housing in Europe. Design follows function in the Sonneveld House. A New Form of Factory (01:52) The Van Nelle Factory in Rotterdam represents everything the modern movement stands for. It is a new form for factories and is flexible enough to be created into any type of building. Atmosphere and Natural Elements (01:48) Designed by Johannes Duiker, Zonnestraal Sanitorium in the Netherlands includes artistic design that parallel natural elements with fresh air becoming important. Two Important Architects (01:40) Two of the most important modern architects are Le Corbuser and Pierre Jeanerret. Jeanerret designs some of the most important prototypes of the modern era. Three Architectural Designs (02:53) Three architectural designs by Corbuser and Jeanerret provide a look at artistic and design elements and unique spatial experiences. European and Russian Influences (01:57) Aware of the new political ideology of Lenin in Russia, Corbuser wants to build there. A modern industrial complex is designed with social reconstruction in mind. Russian Building Types (01:40) The building style of the Moscow Planetarium serves an ideological symbol to the proletariat. The Zuev Workers Club is built to bring the workers together. Constructivists design housing. Rethinking Modern Architecture (01:59) Ideology and social responsibility are the cornerstones of the Modern movement. By the end of the 1920s it comes of age and makes its promise on the skyline. Some problems exist. Architects Respond to Problems (01:39) The Ludwig Mies Der Rohe housing complex in Berlin shows how the architectural problem has changed. Repetition creates a stronger image. Subtler complexities are seen in new buildings. Housing for the Working Class (06:29) Many modern architects try to elevate the conditions of the working class by building long flats with repetitive facades which later become more individualized. European Architectural Exhibitions (02:29) Prominent European architects exhibit their designs and create models. Criticized by traditionalists, it is now a pilgrimage. Czech function is less strict than Russia for the middle class. The Czech Republic (03:52) International Exhibition Centre in the Czech Republic is built to symbolize economic competition. In the Czech Republic and in Paris two architects design villas and private houses. Social Reform in France (02:03) In Paris, Maison de Verre by Pierre Chareau is an innovative approach based on moving elements appealing mostly to wealthy patrons. Architecture soon becomes instrumental in social reform. Ginsberg and Lubetkin (02:58) In 1929 the apartment block Avenue de Versailles by Ginsberg and Lubetkin is an excellent first design. Lubetkin's best work is the Penquin Pool at London's Zoo. Modern housing is seen in London. Modern Architecture in Italy (04:16) In Italy the fascist regimes pushed the new ideas in architecture found in the Casa del Fascio. It is the clearest example of purism of Italian Rationalism. The International Style is born.