Member-only story

The Racial Politics of Modern Architectural Style: Unveiling the Invisible Hand

Carlos Drummond

·19.2k Followers· Follow

Published in Building Character: The Racial Politics Of Modern Architectural Style (Culture Politics The Built Environment)

4 min read · 3 weeks before

986 View Claps

75 Respond

Save

Listen

In the realm of architectural design, where aesthetics and functionality reign supreme, a profound yet often overlooked aspect beckons our attention - the subtle interplay of race and architectural style. 'The Racial Politics of Modern Architectural Style: Culture Politics, The Built' by Hilary Sample unveils this compelling connection, shedding light on the ways in which race has shaped the very structures we inhabit.

Throughout history, architecture has mirrored the prevailing social and cultural norms, reflecting the values and beliefs of its time. The advent of modern architecture, characterized by its emphasis on functionality, simplicity, and abstraction, marked a significant shift in architectural expression. However, beneath the sleek facades and minimalist lines of modern buildings, a more complex narrative unfolds - a narrative of racial exclusion and inequality.

Building Character: The Racial Politics of Modern Architectural Style (Culture Politics & the Built Environment)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	29548 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	288 pages

Sample meticulously examines the ways in which modern architectural style has been complicit in perpetuating racial segregation and marginalization. She argues that the modernist ideal of universality, with its emphasis on standardization and conformity, has often resulted in the erasure of cultural identity and the displacement of minority communities.

For instance, the widespread adoption of modernist housing projects in the United States during the mid-20th century was intended to address the housing shortage and improve living conditions for urban populations. However, these projects often resulted in the displacement of low-income communities, predominantly Black and Latino residents, who were forced to relocate to segregated and impoverished neighborhoods.

Sample also delves into the role of whiteness in shaping the architectural landscape. She demonstrates how the modernist aesthetic, with its focus on sleek lines, white surfaces, and open spaces, has often been associated with affluence and power, serving to reinforce the dominance of white culture and privilege.

The book extends beyond mere historical analysis, offering a critical lens through which to view contemporary architectural practices. Sample challenges the notion of a 'post-racial' society, arguing that the legacy of racial bias persists in the built environment, often in subtle and insidious ways.

Through a series of case studies, she unveils how seemingly neutral design choices, such as the use of specific materials, the placement of buildings, and the allocation of public spaces, can perpetuate racial inequalities. She advocates for a more inclusive and equitable approach to architectural design, one that actively challenges the racial biases embedded in our built environment.

'The Racial Politics of Modern Architectural Style' is a profound and thought-provoking work that forces us to confront the uncomfortable truths about the relationship between race and architectural design. It is a must-read for architects, urban planners, students of architecture, and anyone interested in the intersection of race, culture, and the built environment.

By shedding light on the racial politics that have shaped our cities and neighborhoods, Sample empowers us to envision a more just and equitable built environment, one that truly reflects the diversity and richness of our society.

Building Character: The Racial Politics of Modern Architectural Style (Culture Politics & the Built Environment)

4.8 out of 5