Monocle on Design Extra: How cars shaped modern architecture
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Jul 3, 2025 In this conversation, writer Christopher Beanland, author of 'Architecture for Cars,' dives into the fascinating relationship between cars and modern architecture. He explores how automobiles have influenced urban planning, coining the term 'car-citecture.' Listeners will discover quirky architectural examples like Berlin's 'Snake' and Australia's humorous roadside attractions, showcasing how these car-centric designs reflect cultural shifts and shape experiences for both drivers and pedestrians.
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Carcitecture Post-WWII Emergence
- Carcitecture emerged post-WWII focused on designing cities and structures around cars.
- This included car parks, shopping malls, drive-thrus, and drive-in cinemas as defining car-friendly landscapes.
Car-Centric UK Cities With Art
- Cities like Birmingham and Coventry were designed with car-centric ring roads and brutalist architecture.
- Public art was integrated into road infrastructure, such as roundabout sculptures by William Mitchell in Birmingham.
Berlin’s Quirky Car Architecture
- Berlin features quirky car-related architecture like the Snake residential block on a motorway.
- The 'beer pencil' club exemplifies 1970s pop art energy adjacent to urban roadways.
