| We first discuss the Peeters house by architect Eysselink as an example of modernism. It was completed in 1933. Then we look at several steps in the history leading up to modernism. Finally, we analyse some elements that typify modernism, such as the curtains at the roof terrace, the duplexes, the kitchens, and the built-in cupboards. (see left) | Le Corbusier was the most important example for Eysselinck. From the beginning of the 1920s, Le Corbusier had developed the scheme of the Citrohan type-house. In 1926 he built a pure version of it in the Weissenhof exhibition district in Stuttgart. Eysselinck, who visited the district during his honeymoon, took this house as an example foor the Peeters house. |
| In the 19th century, the means of subsistence of the workers were particularly low. As a result, their housing had also ended up in a precarious condition. Opposite this stand a few meagre attempts to address that housing issue. We look at four of them coming from enlightened factory directors, one from a British prince, one from the Antwerp city council, one from the Brussels city council, and a utopian model from a Ghent doctor. | A study of journals and books from the period 1917–1926 allow us to distil the characteristics of modern architecture. The basis of modernism lies in the years 1916–1922, in the visual art of suprematism and neoplasticism. Afterwards, the competitions for high-rise buildings were crystallisation points. We also discuss the – mostly unexecuted – projects in 1922–1923, in Germany, at Le Corbusier, in the Netherlands, and in Russia. |
