Humanity has been in search of utopia for millenia, and while many have attempted to construct the perfect society, the large majority of 20th century architectural attempts have failed to be executed (Le Corbusier's Ville Radieuse is a notable example). Many simply remained in the early stages of planning, positioning and development, lacking crucial elements that would allow a ‘utopia’ to become a successful, fully functioning settlement.
‘Yesterday’s Future’, a new exhibition at Frankfurt’s Deutsches Architekturmuseum (DAM), aims to examine such ideas with a retrospective of works showcasing architectural investigations into utopian living. Displays include a selection of projects by two legendary practices; Future Systems – in operation from 1979 to 2008, headed Czech architect Jan Kaplický and British architect Amanda Levete – and 1960s avant-garde group Archigram, including well known core members such as Sir Peter Cook.
From brightly coloured collages, to technical drawings and filigree architectural models, the show presents several of Archigram’s architecture experiments. The practice’s concepts were designed for survival within deserted, dilapidated and inhospitable environments, coinciding with times of social upheaval and the Moon landing, an era defined by new beginnings. 1964's ‘Walking City’, one of the firm’s most well-known projects, is a concept for a community, which would act as an autonomous mobile organism, comparable in shape to a giant insect. ‘Walking City’ would allow humans to settle in – at the time – uninhabitable climates and possibly even other planets.
Archigram’s work is juxtaposed with Future Systems' designs, which were conceived some 20 years later, at the height of the Cold War. The latter's body of work includes a series of self-sufficient capsules positioned in natural surroundings or nestled within densely populated urban spaces. ‘Shelter’, envisioned in 1985 by Kaplický, is a large, transportable, umbrella-like structure designed to provide shelter to roughly 190 people during the Ethiopian famine in 1984–85. The visually intriguing ‘Peanut’, created in 1984, is a kinetic pod-like wilderness dwelling, designed for two. It can twist and turn at the residents' will, allowing for a variety of different views.
The show's displays include a selection of projects by two legendary practices; Future Systems – headed by Czech architects Jan Kaplický and Amanda Levete, in operation from 1979 to 2008 – and 1960s avant-garde group Archigram. Pictured: 'Coexistence (Project 112)', by Future.
From brightly coloured collages, to technical drawings and filigree architectural models, the show presents several of Archigram’s architecture experiments. Pictured: 'Walking City (Project 064)', by Archigram, 1964.
The practice’s concepts were designed for survival within deserted, dilapidated and inhospitable environments, coinciding with times of social upheaval and the Moon landing, an era defined by new beginnings. Pictured: Future Systems' concept for the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, 1989.
Frankfurt Kindergarten; a 1991 Future Systems project.
Future Systems' ‘Peanut’, created in 1984, is a kinetic pod-like wilderness dwelling designed for two. It can twist and turn at the inhabitants' will, allowing for different views of the surrounding nature.
INFORMATION
’Yesterday’s Future’ is on view from 14 May – 18 September. For more information visit DAM’s website
ADDRESS
Deutsches Architekturmuseum (DAM)
Schaumainkai 43
60596 Frankfurt/Main
-
Shop the gloriously mad inner workings of Gary Card’s brain in London’s SohoSet designer and artist Gary Card has taken over London's Plaster Store – expect chaos and some really good accessories
-
Venerable British car-maker AC goes OTT with the high-output, low-slung AC GT SuperSportPitched at all-American fans of the original AC Cobra, the GT SuperSport is a fearsome two-seat roadster with more muscle than ever before
-
The dynamic young gallerists reinvigorating America's art scene'Hugging has replaced air kissing' in this new wave of galleries with craft and community at their core
-
The inimitable Norman Foster: our guide to the visionary architect, shaping the futureNorman Foster has shaped today's London and global architecture like no other in his field; explore his work through our ultimate guide to this most impactful contemporary architect
-
A guide to modernism’s most influential architectsFrom Bauhaus and brutalism to California and midcentury, these are the architects who shaped modernist architecture in the 20th century
-
Kengo Kuma’s ‘Paper Clouds’ in London is a ‘poem’ celebrating washi paper in construction‘Paper Clouds’, an installation by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, is a poetic design that furthers research into the use of washi paper in construction
-
Foster + Partners to design the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth IIFor the Queen Elizabeth II memorial, Foster + Partners designs proposal includes a new bridge, gates, gardens and figurative sculptures in St James’ Park
-
Wolves Lane Centre brings greenery, growing and grass roots togetherWolves Lane Centre, a new, green community hub in north London by Material Cultures and Studio Gil, brings to the fore natural materials and a spirit of togetherness
-
This ingenious London office expansion was built in an on-site workshopNew Wave London and Thomas-McBrien Architects make a splash with this glulam extension built in the very studio it sought to transform. Here's how they did it
-
Once vacant, London's grand department stores are getting a new lease on lifeThanks to imaginative redevelopment, these historic landmarks are being reborn as residences, offices, gyms and restaurants. Here's what's behind the trend
-
Lego and Serpentine celebrate World Play Day with a new pavilionLego and Serpentine have just unveiled their Play Pavilion; a colourful new structure in Kensington Gardens in London and a gesture that celebrates World Play Day (11 June)
