Pruitt-Igoe Sequence - "Trouble in Utopia" - Narrated by Robert Hughes [1981]

the Pruitt-Igoe sequence from the episode "Trouble in Utopia" from the series "The Shock of the New". Narrated by Robert Hughes. (1981)

Descripion of episode:
Trouble in Utopia - Episode 4
How modern architects in the wake of the Bauhaus aspired to change societies with their designs, a move represented both by Le Corbusier and the plans for the city Brasilia.

• Category

  Education

[jjjjjjjijjjjjjj]

There are historical lessons here; but they're quite a bit more nuanced and complicated than this one statement. I'm sure you'll agree.

[KidRandomm]

I was googling twin towers which led me to wiki article about yamasaki and there was a bit about pruitt igoe where it said that after 20 yrs it was demolished. For some reason I find abandoned/decaying/destroyed architecture fascinating.

[Leslie Sena]

Yes, KidRandomm, I do too. I always have - ever since I was a kid. I though I was the only one. Now I find out differently.

[illinidorry]

So wise :rollseyes:

[Gilvin]

Just because they are poor, we don't spread table cloth while we are giving them food?

[maggy robertson]

no historical lesson, don't tear down poor persons community, relocate them to a concrete jungle devoid of past ties and connections, geographically isolate them from a workforce necessary to earn enough money to foot the bill to maintain that monstrous eyesore. Frack if they cannot afford running water, electricity and indoor plumbing on their old salary, what would make you think they could afford elevator maintenance, garbage disposal, floor waxing, window washing all the thing needed

[im2tall1]

Whats funny about that ?

[itwontcomeout5678]

Once upon a time in the projects, yo....

[mrskeecher]

funny - the buildings fell just like the 3 skyscrapers in NYC

[Charles McAnany]

Raytessa, I agree with your comment that the residents were responsible for the deterioration of the complex, but I think that some blame must rest with the architecture. The place was designed with Le Corbusier's principles, which, it turned out, just don't suit humans well. The tenants were not attached to the building, I think they are more attached to the architecture of the success stories. It is also worth pointing out that maintenance is necessary, but Pruitt-igoe was neglected.

[alstoer1]

"It won awards" ?? It won 'one' award from 'one' magazine.

[Siddharth Bal]

the language of this documentary limits it as a form of social commentary. The tone of the narrator and his guests suggests that they revel in eighties era capitalism and all its strengths and contradictions. The narrator criticizes modern architects in their ability to shape society. However, form has a very clear way of shaping one's worldview. 90's era industrial rock attacked forced suburban orthodoxy-housing associations. Hence, it's overall lessons have to be take with some grain of salt.