Impact Of Social, Political, And Economic Trends On Architecture In The 60s And 70s

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by: Elise.Fendmeyer
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Architecture of the 1960s is often referred to as the Post Modern era. During the 60s the conflict between The Establishment and individual identity and self expression affected architecture as it did nearly all things. In public structures and private housing of the affluent, architecture of the 60s was moving away from long held rules. Although moderate housing in the United States still reflected the architecture of preceding years, such as ranch and split level houses, more attention was given to site, surrounding buildings and the climate of the area. City planning also became essential due to burgeoning population growth.
During the 60s, individual concepts and the desire to express change and informality created disparity between theory and practice in architecture. Architects of the 60s developed a network of communication that allowed exchange of information and ideas outside of academic boundaries. The work of these new leaders suggested that architecture was complex, requiring consideration not only for the structure but also for the social needs and the environment of the area. Use of space age technology, real and envisioned, coupled with the new concepts of complex architecture, led the way toward environmentally and ecologically focused design.
The 70s were eventful, often chaotic, years. The unpopular Viet Nam War caused social, political and economic distress. The social impact of the energy crisis and the economic recession that followed created fundamental changes in attitude. Globally, the style of major architecture projects in the 70s was experimental and unconventional. Nonconformity and originality became the norm. Architecture in American housing was more conventional, but reflected change related to the times.
With the return of Viet Nam veterans and the availability of VA mortgages, young families were in the market for housing. The increasing violence in cities and the basic 70s return to nature trend increased the movement to suburbs and rural areas. Architecture in new home construction continued to lean toward the established designs of the 60s but the interior was updated with advances in technology. With the energy crisis, improved insulation, energy efficiency and solar energy were incorporated in the architecture of the day.
One of the biggest changes in the architecture of the 70s was the reuse of existing structures. Economic constraints and increased awareness of environmental issues caused demand for architecture plans for restoration of old houses, barns, schoolhouses etc for homes. Warehouses and old factories were being converted to apartments, restaurants and shopping malls. The 70s heralded the use of architecture as a means of restoring the old rather than constructing new.

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<h1>Impact Of Social, Political, And Economic Trends On Architecture In The 60s And 70s</h1> <p> Architecture of the 1960s is often referred to as the Post Modern era. During the 60s the conflict between The Establishment and individual identity and self expression affected architecture as it did nearly all things. In public structures and private housing of the affluent, architecture of the 60s was moving away from long held rules. Although moderate housing in the United States still reflected the architecture of preceding years, such as ranch and split level houses, more attention was given to site, surrounding buildings and the climate of the area. City planning also became essential due to burgeoning population growth. <br />During the 60s, individual concepts and the desire to express change and informality created disparity between theory and practice in architecture. Architects of the 60s developed a network of communication that allowed exchange of information and ideas outside of academic boundaries. The work of these new leaders suggested that architecture was complex, requiring consideration not only for the structure but also for the social needs and the environment of the area. Use of space age technology, real and envisioned, coupled with the new concepts of complex architecture, led the way toward environmentally and ecologically focused design. <br />The 70s were eventful, often chaotic, years. The unpopular Viet Nam War caused social, political and economic distress. The social impact of the energy crisis and the economic recession that followed created fundamental changes in attitude. Globally, the style of major architecture projects in the 70s was experimental and unconventional. Nonconformity and originality became the norm. Architecture in American housing was more conventional, but reflected change related to the times. <br />With the return of Viet Nam veterans and the availability of VA mortgages, young families were in the market for housing. The increasing violence in cities and the basic 70s return to nature trend increased the movement to suburbs and rural areas. Architecture in new home construction continued to lean toward the established designs of the 60s but the interior was updated with advances in technology. With the energy crisis, improved insulation, energy efficiency and solar energy were incorporated in the architecture of the day. <br />One of the biggest changes in the architecture of the 70s was the reuse of existing structures. Economic constraints and increased awareness of environmental issues caused demand for architecture plans for restoration of old houses, barns, schoolhouses etc for homes. Warehouses and old factories were being converted to apartments, restaurants and shopping malls. The 70s heralded the use of architecture as a means of restoring the old rather than constructing new. <h2>About the Author</h2> More information regarding <a href="http://aia.org/" Title="green architecture ideas, Green building">architects</a>, read aia.org. </p>

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