Houses of the future: British post-war architecture from modernism to futurism

These photographs from the Daily Herald Archive show how British housing design after the Second World War, especially in the 1960s, was shaped by experimentation and innovation.

Daily Herald Photograph: Ideal Home Exhibition, Old People's House Daily Herald Photograph: Ideal Home Exhibition, Old People's House (1952-03-03)National Science and Media Museum

Among the many topics covered in the Daily Herald, is a wealth of photographs which record the changing architectural styles of domestic housing in 20th-century Britain.

Daily Herald Photograph: Parkleys estateNational Science and Media Museum

Wherever I lay my hat

The devastation of the Second World War led to a housing crisis in the UK. When building materials became widely available again in the 1950s and 1960s, there was pressure to build quickly and cheaply—and an opportunity to do things differently.

Daily Herald Photograph: Mock Tudor houseNational Science and Media Museum

This period saw a clear rebellion against the applied decoration of pre-war housing, particularly the ‘Mock Tudor’ style. There was also a concerted effort to move away from Victorian and Edwardian styles of housing, which were now considered dark and dingy.

Daily Herald Photograph: New style council houseNational Science and Media Museum

Architects of the 1960s experimented with bold shapes, daring layouts and open plan interiors. Council estates were typically characterised by boxy straight lines, while designs for private housing were often more innovative. 

Daily Herald Photograph: Prize-winning house designNational Science and Media Museum

House of the future

Modernist architecture was a big influence on housing design in the 1950s and 60s. Modernist architects rejected ornamentation, embracing minimalism and structural innovation. Above all, modernist housing was about function and how spaces could be used practically.

A photographic print of Housing, Post War, Houses - Mobile Homes, including LCC Project & Paladin Estate House A photographic print of Housing, Post War, Houses - Mobile Homes, including LCC Project & Paladin Estate HouseNational Science and Media Museum

Under the influence of modernism, domestic houses of the 1960s were roomy and modern, with wide windows and lots of light. They often came with garages, a large driveway and gardens. The idea of open plan living was fashionable, and the combined lounge/diner became popular.

Daily Herald Photograph: CIS Building under construction in Manchester Daily Herald Photograph: CIS Building under construction in Manchester (1961-01-18) by Spencer, RoyNational Science and Media Museum

The sky’s the limit

Architecture got taller in this period, with huge cranes needed to build skyscrapers. The concept of a city built on different vertical levels—to move people away from pollution and reduce the risk of car collisions—was also considered, but never truly realised.

A time to experiment

While some architects in the 1960s were experimenting with designing modern, practical, and tall homes, others were getting even more creative. This was a time for experimentation, to be innovative and test out new methods and materials.

Daily Herald Photograph: Living cellNational Science and Media Museum

Futurism was another influence on architects at this time. While the movement first started in the early 20th century, it was truly reborn in the 1950s and 60s and drew inspiration from popular culture, including science fiction movies which promoted ideas such as time travel.

Daily Herald Photograph: Futuro podNational Science and Media Museum

Space age

The influence of futurism is nowhere more evident than in the Futuro House, designed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen. Notable for its iconic ‘flying saucer’ appearance, it was very much a product of the social and technological optimism of the 1960s.

Daily Herald Photograph: Futuro podNational Science and Media Museum

The Futuro House was introduced to the UK market in 1969. Unfortunately, its unusual appearance was met with public hostility from the beginning and less than 100 were ever built. By the mid-1970s it had been taken off the market.

Daily Herald Photograph: Model of Sea CityNational Science and Media Museum

Sea City

In 1968, architect Hall Moggridge and engineers John Martin and Ken Anthony unveiled their vision for life at sea. The concept design for ‘Sea City’ proposed a self-sufficient community 15 miles off the Norfolk coast, capable of housing 30,000 people.

Daily Herald Photograph: Model of Sea City, football pitchNational Science and Media Museum

Residents of Sea City would have enjoyed a range of amenities—including a marine zoo, shopping centre and rooftop football pitch—as well as helibus travel. The development was due to be completed by 2018... our fingers are still crossed!

Daily Herald Photograph: New style council houseNational Science and Media Museum

Postmodernism and beyond

By the 1970s, modernism had begun to seem elitist and exclusive. When the optimism of the 1950s and 60s started to falter in the 1970s, this was reflected in architecture, which began to be influenced by postmodernist ideas—a reaction against modernism.

Daily Herald Photograph: Model of Sea CityNational Science and Media Museum

Today, many examples of modernist and futurist architecture from the post-war period are highly regarded. Other ideas from this era, such as Sea City and the ‘city in the sky’, remain unrealised—but the forward-thinking ambition of their designs continues to inspire architects.

Credits: Story

All images are from the Science Museum Group collection. Copyright Mirrorpix, Hulton Archive/Getty Images, and TopFoto.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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