Utopia's Last Stand
Architectural Dissertation
by Matthew Bloomfield
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About the Book
This thesis forms an investigation into the utopian architecture of late modernism. Within the modernist dogma it was assumed that technological advancement could overcome all problems and that Utopia was a certainty. The architectural solutions explored aimed to unite people across geographic and economic boundaries, promising liberation from work due to mechanised production.
Free movement throughout the built environment was prioritised by Archigram, Constant, Superstudio and the Situationists. This promised a greater variety of human interaction, bringing people together and letting them make the most of their liberation from manual labour. The modular megastructures proposed permitted flexibility and shifting intentions. This was a new architecture that was hoped to be accessible by all, breaking down class barriers.
Within our current Postmodern age, a single utopian solution is not recognised as feasible because of the emphasis placed upon individuality. The rejection of this ultimate goal has resulted in a pervading sense of nihilism within society as there is no longer any need for a net advancement in the human condition.
Utopianism is a powerful tool for combating this aimlessness. While it may not actually be achievable, Utopia is the yardstick with which to measure existing societies; highlighting their shortcomings and encouraging them to move forward.
Free movement throughout the built environment was prioritised by Archigram, Constant, Superstudio and the Situationists. This promised a greater variety of human interaction, bringing people together and letting them make the most of their liberation from manual labour. The modular megastructures proposed permitted flexibility and shifting intentions. This was a new architecture that was hoped to be accessible by all, breaking down class barriers.
Within our current Postmodern age, a single utopian solution is not recognised as feasible because of the emphasis placed upon individuality. The rejection of this ultimate goal has resulted in a pervading sense of nihilism within society as there is no longer any need for a net advancement in the human condition.
Utopianism is a powerful tool for combating this aimlessness. While it may not actually be achievable, Utopia is the yardstick with which to measure existing societies; highlighting their shortcomings and encouraging them to move forward.
Features & Details
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Project Option: Standard Portrait, 7.75×9.75 in, 20×25 cm
# of Pages: 36 - Publish Date: Mar 30, 2013
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