American Dream House is my Architecture's Final Degree Project. It talks about the radical changes in the north-american society after World War II and their impact on the design, structure and localization of their homes. Every chapter opens with an illustration that tries to capture the spirit of those times, where the hope for the future and technology co-existed with the new Cold War fear.
The American Dream "After World War II the USA had an incredible economic growth. With a mass consumption due to the savings made during the war and the need for the new homes for the returning soldiers, a new economic and social model started to develop."
The Suburban Life "The suburb emerges from the idea that family life should arrange and rule the urban space. That way the historical center, with it's monuments and stores, is set aside and all the attention goes to the single family house."
A house with a yard "During the 50's the outdoor recreation was promoted as a way to ease the stress of modern life and a vital part of the american culture. Everybody wanted a house with a yard for the children to play with a barbecue and a swimming pool."
Industry and transparency "The industrial development during the war made possible new construction techniques. This new houses were made of steel and glass, with open concept and full of light."
The living of the things "The leisure culture grew during the 50's, making the living room a big open space with light furniture able to adapt to many different activities. Even the arrange and rearrange of the living could be consider a game itself."
The kitchen of the future "During the War, propaganda encouraged women to work in the arms industry. With the end of the conflict they wanted to keep their jobs, but men were back, so they had to go back to be housewives again. This change needed to be appealing, so technology and marketing focused on making the house work easier and futuristic, with tons of products and adds targeting women."
Rest and privacy "The size a shape of the family were uniform during the 50's. A young married couple with two or three children. Grandparents and other relatives were out of the equation, as single adults and couples without children. The house were designed with this in mind, having almost exclusively two or three bedrooms. No more, no less."
Thanks for your attention.
