From Here to Modernity

Episode: From Here to Modernity
Broadcast Info: 2001 (29 mins)
Description: Programme two begins during the building boom after the Second World War, when the reconstruction programmes of ravaged cities and the growth of the Welfare State requires the building of thousands of homes, schools and hospitals for thr future. Many are built by Modernists. The programme takes in buildings from across the country - blocks of flats in east London, a school in Norfolk, the central Scotland new town of Cumberbauld - as the British Modernists’ most prolific period is put into the spotlight.

But discontent amongst Modernist architects begins to stir as some question the rigidityof the Movement’s approach. Central and local government is far from deterred, however, the authorities encourage the construction of more and ever-higher buildings. As in the story of the sorcerer’s apprentice, architects can no longer control the creation.
The rush ends with the partial collapse of the Ronan Point tower block in London in 1968 which kills four people.
Post-war building boom reconstruction programmes Welfare State house building school building hospital building Modernist buildings flats in-East London Norfolk school Cumbernauld Ronan Point tower block collapse
Genre: History; Architecture; Design

The Open University, "From Here to Modernity". https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ou/search/index.php/prog/6142 (Accessed 11 Jan 2025)

The Open University