Summary
Mainstream Modern is a long-term project led by Professor of Architecture Richard Brook in collaboration with The Modernist Society, comprising of an extensive website cataloguing unknown works of post-war architecture and contributing to their statutory protection as built heritage. The project aims to increase the appreciation of post-war architecture, development of new volunteer groups, and ultimately increase statutory protection.
The AHRC IAA enabled extensive development of the website content, reach and accessibility through a newly designed interface with increased user features. Supplementing the digital content were walking tours and public events designed to engaged diverse communities across northern England, highlighting the social, cultural, and political significance of mainstream modernism. These activities expanded the Society's reach, supported heritage preservation, and fostered connections between academic research and the public.
Challenge
Mainstream Modern addresses the widespread lack of appreciation and understanding of post-war architecture, a period often overshadowed by stylistic criticisms and misconceptions about the aesthetic or cultural value of its structures. Many of these buildings, which reflect significant social, political, and economic histories, face neglect, underutilisation, or demolition due to limited awareness of their importance.
Additionally, a gap exists in accessible, engaging resources for both public audiences and heritage organisations to explore and celebrate these architectural works. This challenge was compounded by a lack of community-focused activities, such as walking tours or public events, to connect people with these spaces in meaningful ways. Mainstream Modern aimed to scale up the existing work to generate deeper connections between academic research, local communities, and mainstream modernist heritage.
Actions
The main action taken in connection with the IAA funding was enhancement of the website, which saw content, accessibility, and reach significantly improved. This was achieved through providing resources like downloadable case studies and interactive maps, as well as enhanced navigation – the website now features over 500 examples of post-war architecture, expanding its reach to over 42,000 users globally.
In addition to the website, the project has also run walking tours of overlooked post-war buildings in Northern towns and cities like Halifax and Bradford for the public, fostering knowledge exchange with communities. Furthermore, a symposium – which took place in March 2024 – brought 65 people together to explore the architectural, artistic and planning history of the campus. At this event, alongside artistic works like poems and an installation, students and architects presented readings of the campus to an engaged audience of professionals and members of the public. Complementary events, including a book launch for The Renewal of Post-War Manchester, showcased specific project outcomes and strengthened Mainstream Modern’s visibility and impact.
Results
Through the website, case studies, and public events, the project raised awareness of the cultural and historical importance of mainstream modernism, contributing to the protection of post-war buildings, including three statutory listings. The website attracted over 42,000 unique users and 125,000 hits, with 25% of traffic coming from outside the UK, demonstrating its international relevance.
Awareness was further spread through an interview with Brook on BBC North West Tonight. The segment was about the potential demolition of two post-war cooling towers in Cheshire, advocating for their survival and for the site to be reimagined in promotion of ecological, industrial and cultural heritage; it was subsequently featured on the BBC News website.
New networks were established in northern towns and cities, connecting communities through their shared architectural heritage and fostering local pride. Additionally, the project strengthened the partnership between Lancaster University and The Modernist Society, leading to development of the Glasgow volunteer group (chapter) through an event in June 2025, part of Architecture Fringe and supported by Glasgow City Heritage Trust.
