Boroughs & Burbs, the National Real Estate Conversation

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Welcome to our Moderns show, episode #63 of Boroughs & Burbs. This week I would like to explore the concept of modernism with two experts who have given the subject a great deal of thought, built magnificent modern houses and buildings, and who have taught the subject of Modern architecture around the world in seminars and at the college level.

First, we'd like to define Modernism. Are we talking about the clean lines and open-plan aesthetics of the 1950's, now over 70 years old, or is the new Modernism something else entirely?  What does it mean to be Modern in 2022 and where is the movement going? Does Modernism include the clean lines of IKEA's smart home or the exotic Iron Man's cliffside villa in Avengers?

Second, we'd like to understand who is buying modern architecture, and why? Maybe Modern architecture is so expensive that it has become a status symbol for the ultra-rich. Are the ultra-rich the only ones who can afford these sleek glass and steel structures with fabulous waterfront views or views of L.A. from the Hollywood Hills. These modern houses are a staple of shows like Selling Sunset, and admired by the rest of us. Will they ever become accessible to the rest of us?

Third, we would like to know where this admiration of Modern by the "younger generation" comes from, and how it is showing up in our housing market in markets from New York, to L.A., Miami, the Hamptons or Connecticut. Some of these communities embrace modern design, while others reject it in favor of more tradtional styles. An article in Curbed seemed to suggest that Modernism comes from the trend toward urban living: we all value the aesthetic of the modern, uncluttered, technology-centric apartment in the city. Maybe Baby Boomer rejected modern because it childhood homes.