Space on Earth, Series (6 Parts)

Synopsis

The six programmes survey aspects of modern architecture and show many of the most striking and controversial buildings of the 20th century.
1: Looks at the reasons for public dissatisfaction with modern buildings. Contributors include Norman Foster, James Stirling and Robert Adam. Rod Hackney and Edward Cullinen describe their approach to ‘community architecture’ and how the public now demand more from their environment.
2: London’s South Bank ‘ghetto’ is contrasted with the Pompidou Centre in Paris, which has been described as ‘an oasis of fun’. Widely regarded as the unacceptable face of modern architecture, the buildings of London’s South Bank also comprise a cultural playground that many regard as second to none. Contributors include Sir Denys Lasdun, Cedric Price, Leon Krier and Charles Knevitt.
3: Skyscrapers are America’s contribution to the architecture of the 20th century and have come to symbolise the ideas and achievements of the country that first built them. Traces the development of skyscrapers and also talks to American architects Philip Johnson and Bruce Graham.
Part 4: The rise of the skyscraper, with historian Charles Jancks and examples from New York and Chicago.
5: Outlines some of the issues that invariably place conservationists at odds with modernists. Made in Britain and France. Looks at the various approaches to conservation and finding alternative uses for old buildings.
6: Considers how the architecture of the 20th century might be judged by future generations. Includes Paolo Saleri’s ‘laboratory of urban living’ - an architectural commune in the USA - and looks at underground building on both sides of the Atlantic.

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Video; Videocassette. Standard formats. col. 6 x 25 min.

Year of production

1985

Availability

OUT OF DISTRIBUTION

Uses

Architects, planners, general audiences.*

Subjects

Architecture

Keywords

architectural design; buildings; conservation - buildings; skyscrapers

Credits

Cast

Ken Martin

Sections

Title

Buildings and people

Synopsis

1: Looks at the reasons for public dissatisfaction with modern buildings. Contributors include Norman Foster, James Stirling and Robert Adam. Rod Hackney and Edward Cullinen describe their approach to 'community architecture' and how the public now demand

Title

Oasis and the ghetto

Synopsis

2: London's South Bank 'ghetto' is contrasted with the Pompidou Centre in Paris, which has been described as 'an oasis of fun'. Widely regarded as the unacceptable face of modern architecture, the buildings of London's South Bank also comprise a cultural

Title

Skyscrapers: cathedrals of commerce

Synopsis

3: Skyscrapers are America's contribution to the architecture of the 20th century and have come to symbolise the ideas and achievements of the country that first built them. Traces the development of skyscrapers and also talks to American architects Phili

Title

Skyscrapers: fight for height

Synopsis

Part 4: The rise of the skyscraper, with historian Charles Jancks and examples from New York and Chicago.

Title

Saving space

Synopsis

5: Outlines some of the issues that invariably place conservationists at odds with modernists. Made in Britain and France. Looks at the various approaches to conservation and finding alternative uses for old buildings.

Title

Futures

Synopsis

6: Considers how the architecture of the 20th century might be judged by future generations. Includes Paolo Saleri's 'laboratory of urban living' - an architectural commune in the USA - and looks at underground building on both sides of the Atlantic.

Production Company

Name

Anglia Television

Distributor

Name

Teltale International