Back to the Future: Interpretation of Post-COVID-19 Architecture through 1960s Futurism

Abstract

COVID-19 has changed configuration and need in architectural and urban space. Today, only the pandemic’s short-term consequences have been seen in architecture, whereas the long-term influences are being discussed. This article aims to look for insight into post-pandemic architecture in the long term through futuristic projects in the 1960s. Therefore, a literature review about post-disease architecture after 19th century epidemics and healthy environment criteria for COVID-19 were conducted in this study. Then, three significant figures of the futurist movement were chosen as case studies: Buckminster Fuller, Reyner Banham, and Archigram. Their distinctive theories and unique science-fiction projects were examined and discussed concerning contagious diseases and pandemic's reflections on spaces. According to the interpretation of these architect’s works and arguments, an open-ended, nomadic, formless architecture in which technology and infrastructure gave the individual better freedom could be associated with the post-pandemic built environment.