Have you ever wondered why so many cities around the world seem almost identical? The explanation lies in a subtle, yet profound, shift in cultural influence. While Germany lost both World Wars, it quietly emerged victorious in the battle for cultural dominance, aided unexpectedly by England and America.
Modern urban design was widely accepted as the most rational approach to building cities. This European vision began with noble intentions, yet for many, the uniformity of glass, steel, and concrete created environments that felt oppressive—reminiscent of prisons, plantations, or even concentration camps. While some may react defensively to such criticism, these responses often overlook the pervasive effects of cultural hegemony, which shape our perceptions of what cities should be.
By 1932, numerous proponents of New Objectivity had fled Russia and Germany, fundamentally altering the movement’s social and ideological foundation. As this exodus accelerated, Minimalism attracted new audiences across the globe, notably in Japan, England, and the United States.
The architect Bruno Taut, for example, relocated to Japan, where he continued to influence modern design.
In the United States, business leaders and government officials resisted the labor movement and had no intention of providing government-supported housing. This resistance significantly shaped the trajectory of American urban development.
As Modernism gained popularity in America, it gradually lost its original social purpose. At the Harvard Graduate School of Design, minimalist functionalism, once rooted in egalitarian ideals, was transformed into a symbol of prestige and affluence.
