MODERNISTS
GOING (2) FAR
From modern ideals
to "suburban travesty"
Many of the post-war suburb towns did not achieve the goals that the planners had in mind, despite being a substantial improvement from what people relocated from. A documentary from 1971, "OBOS og byen," reveals how one of Norway's leading developers adhered to the brutalist and international modernist ideals in their large developments. Residents share their experiences of living in the modern suburb cities, which were intended to be Norway's leading example. Ammerud, the English and Swedish-inspired development, was heavily criticised for its advertised sense of utopia and is even today viewed as one of Oslo's more problematic outskirts. (Kjølleberg 2013) The idyllic Suburban ideals quickly disintegrate.
"Oslo is almost fully developed. The possibilities that still remain are the remediation of older buildings and utilisation of what exists of former agricultural land."
"The lack of plots means OBOS will have to search for vacant building sites, also outside of Oslo’s borders." (Oslos Byarkiv 1971)
Matthew Hardy, Senior Lecturer in Architecture and Urbanism at the Prince's Foundation for Building Community, argues that the 20th-century conservation movement was a reaction against modernism, which communities saw as imposed on them. Hardy worked with Engh at INTBAU, founded by the former Prince of Wales, a global network dedicated to supporting traditional buildings, maintaining local character, and creating better living environments. (INTBAU n.d.) He notes that cooperative organisations often have substantial budgets but often impose their taste on communities, leading to a lack of diversity in their funding portfolio. Without local stakeholders' participation, projects may be ineffective or unpopular.
The 1975 "Stovner report" revealed depressed and lonely children who lost their reading, writing, and calculation abilities, possibly becoming illiterate. (Kjølleberg 2013) In contrast to the suburbs built earlier in the 1950s, Keyserløkka became a popular housing association in Oslo's Grünerløkka district due to its closer proximity to the city centre and typology which went in line with the older working-class housing blocks. (Vibbo n.d.) Comparing the later OBOS developments in the 70s of Ammerud and Stovner to this, one could indeed say modernist architects went too far.
Housing blocks at Keyserløkka, Grünerløkka, (Teigen 1954)
"In fact, I would argue, indeed, try to argue in the «Venice Charter: Revisited» that the whole conservation movement of the 20th century, was largely a reaction, a popular reaction, to modernism. Democratic reaction to modernism, in a way." (Hardy 2023)
The OBOS documentary shows how modern rehousing ideas were not always ideal. A British example of criticised rehousing; is the Council Estates in Battersea. The 70s documentary Living In A Tower Block provides insight into the impact of modern rehousing projects, The Doddington and Rollo Estates completed in the late 60s, which was prioritised after temporary accommodation had been given to homeless individuals in Wandsworth after the war. (Dreams 2016) A resident in the documentary questions the architects' design and the lack of consultation with ordinary people. (Thames TV 1971) The British government have since introduced new processes involving municipalities in town planning and population involvement in architecture, which Engh highlights shows the importance of democracy and human rights. Engh connects this to research in Great Britain which has shown that people are more comfortable with densification when they are accustomed to scale and older architecture, and adds, "they have seen that new building in the traditional style, they are sold faster."
"People absolutely have to be involved in decision-making, in planning, as a basic principle of democracy and human rights." (Hardy 2023)
"Magna Carta Park is Where You Can Live Like a Bridgerton"
Magna Carta Park is an example of a new private estate, that offers residents a luxurious lifestyle with classic architecture and amenities like tennis courts, an indoor swimming pool, and a spa. (Home Journal 2022) The estate celebrates British architectural styles such as Queen Anne, Regency, and other modern interpretations of historical and opulent structures. However, it is only available to people willing to pay high monthly fees, as the estate appeals to a wealthy elite. This exclusivity makes it inaccessible to the majority of the population, an issue the Architecture Uprising highlights when advocating the need for more affordable and beautiful housing. The only question is whether the architects, developers or even the government actually have the power to bring about such change.
