A Plea for Modernism (2011)
• January 1st, 2011 • 0h 12min
Documentary
Overview
Phillis Wheatley Elementary School was a significant landmark in the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans, serving as an important educational institution for African-American students for nearly half a century. The school was known for its innovative modern design that was unique to the region, reflecting the area’s cultural and historical roots. However, the school sustained significant damage during Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath in 2005. Despite the damage, the school’s unique design caught the attention of DOCOMOMO Louisiana, an organization dedicated to preserving modern architecture. They advocated for the restoration of the school through adaptive reuse, citing its historical significance and architectural importance. The organization produced this short film, “A Plea for Modernism,” narrated by actor Wendell Pierce, to raise awareness of the school’s cultural and historical value and promote its restoration.
Make sure to check your pop-up blocker!!
Trailer
Similar Movies
Empire City
Released on: 1985-07-01
Documentary, History
A film essay contrasting the modern metropolis with its "golden age" from 1830-1930, with the partic...
Postmodernism: The Substance of Style
Released on: 2011-09-24
Documentary
This film features some of the most important living Postmodern practitioners, Charles Jencks, Rober...
Le Corbusier, l'architecte du bonheur
Released on: 1957-12-31
Documentary
Documentary devoted to the architectural and urban planning designs of Le Corbusier. The architect s...
Ralph Erskine
Released on: 1986-07-09
Documentary
The British architect based in Stockholm looks back on major projects of a long career inspired by E...
When Brazil Was Modern
Released on: 2025-06-26
Documentary
Brazilian architecture in the 20th century influenced generations of architects worldwide. But there...
The American Sector
Released on: 2020-02-21
Documentary
A documentary about the concrete sections of the Berlin Wall that have been acquired by institutions...
The Coldspring Project
Released on: 1974-01-01
Documentary
The human side of town planning, as exemplified in Baltimore, Maryland. The Coldspring Project conce...
Mies
Released on: 1986-01-01
Documentary
No understanding of the modern movement in architecture is possible without knowledge of its master ...
Edwin Lutyens Master Architect
Released on: 1981-01-01
Documentary
Architecture critic Patrick Nuttgens narrates a documentary on the 20th century architect Edwin Luty...
The Experimental City
Released on: 2017-10-18
Documentary
In the 1960s, frustrated by the growing problem of urban pollution, Athelstan Spilhaus, a visionary ...
The Main Stream
Released on: 2002-12-17
Documentary
Humorist Roy Blount Jr. takes viewers on a journey down the Mississippi River, showcasing everything...
Aalto
Released on: 2020-09-04
Documentary
Aalto is one of the greatest names in modern architecture and design, Aino and Alvar Aalto gave thei...