Glendinning's View on Government, Modernism, and Mass Housing

 

The Hundred Years' Housing War: Glendinning's View on Government, Modernism, and Mass Housing

Miles Glendinning's seminal work offers a critical lens through which to examine the intricate relationship between government, modernist architecture, and the provision of mass housing. He argues that this relationship, far from being a simple matter of providing shelter, has been a century-long, often turbulent, "war" fought on the battleground of people's living spaces, reflecting and amplifying the growth of government power over individual lives.¹

The Rise of Government as Architect:

Glendinning's research meticulously documents the surge in state intervention in housing, particularly during the 20th century. This wasn't merely about building homes; it was about shaping societies. Modernist architectural principles, with their emphasis on efficiency, standardization, and social engineering, became potent tools in the hands of governments seeking to implement their visions. The state, in effect, became the architect of vast swathes of people's lives.

The "Hundred Years' War" Analogy:

The core of Glendinning's analysis lies in his compelling "Hundred Years' War" analogy.² This isn't a continuous, uniform conflict, but rather a series of intense battles interspersed with periods of relative calm, or even retreat.

• Initial Mobilization (Early 20th Century):
  • The early stages of this "war" saw governments, spurred by social reform movements and the need to address urban squalor, aggressively embrace modernist housing solutions. The ideal of the "radiant city," with its high-rise blocks and communal spaces, became a symbol of progress and social equality.
  • This period saw the rise of large scale social housing projects, with governments becoming deeply involved in the planning, financing, and construction of housing.
• The High Tide of Modernism (Mid-20th Century):
  • The post-World War II era witnessed the zenith of modernist mass housing. Governments, driven by reconstruction efforts and the expansion of welfare states, implemented massive housing programs.
  • This period saw the creation of vast housing estates, often characterized by their uniformity and standardized design.
• The Counter-Offensive (Late 20th Century):
  • However, the modernist dream began to unravel. Social problems, architectural monotony, and a growing sense of alienation led to widespread disillusionment.
  • This period saw a shift away from large scale social housing, and a rise in market based housing solutions.
• The Ongoing Conflict (21st Century):
  • The "war" continues, with debates raging about the role of government in housing, the merits of modernist design, and the balance between individual freedom and social responsibility.
  • Today, we see debates about affordability, sustainability, and the legacy of past housing policies.³

Growth of Government Power:

Glendinning's analysis reveals how the provision of housing became a vehicle for the expansion of government power.⁴ Mass housing projects, by their very nature, involved significant state intervention in people's lives.⁵ Governments dictated where people lived, how their homes were designed, and even how their communities were organized.⁶ This created a profound shift in the relationship between the state and the individual.

• Social Control:
  • Housing became a tool for social control, with governments using it to shape social behavior and enforce ideological norms.
• Economic Influence:
  • Governments exerted significant economic influence through housing policies, controlling land development, construction, and financing.
• Spatial Planning:
  • Mass housing projects enabled governments to implement large-scale spatial planning, reshaping urban landscapes and influencing patterns of social interaction.⁷

A Lasting Legacy:

Glendinning's work serves as a powerful reminder of the complex and often contentious relationship between housing and government. His "Hundred Years' War" analogy highlights the ongoing struggle to balance social needs, architectural ideals, and individual freedoms in the provision of shelter. By understanding the historical context, we can better navigate the challenges of housing policy in the 21st century.