The Pruitt-Igoe Myth: An Urban History

The Pruitt-Igoe Myth: An Urban History (2011)

Genres - Historical Film  |   Sub-Genres - Social History  |   Release Date - Jan 20, 2011 (USA - Limited)  |   Run Time - 83 min.  |   Countries - United States  |   MPAA Rating - NR
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Synopsis by Jason Buchanan

Filmmaker Chad Freidrichs attempts to dispel the myths surrounding St. Louis' Pruitt-Igoe housing project by examining the rise and fall of the once-promising development within a historical context. Constructed in 1956, Pruitt-Igoe offered people who once lived in poverty the change to enjoy modern living in a convenient urban setting. But by the late 1960s Pruitt-Igoe was overrun with crime, and the following decade it was demolished. As a result, Pruitt-Igoe is often cited as an example of both failed Modern Architecture and public planning. By looking a bit deeper and examining the circumstances surrounding the fall of Pruitt-Igoe, however, Freidrichs posits that those who perpetuate these arguments may be missing some crucial components of the big picture.

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Keywords

housing, urban