Brits Who Built the Modern World

Episode 1: The Freedom of the Future
A look at the radical experiments of an exceptional generation of British architects.

Many of the leading British architects, who changed the face of global architecture, were born within six years of each other in the 1930s. Shaped by postwar optimism and 1960s counterculture, they began their careers as outsiders and radicals. Amongst their work is one of the most influential, and controversial, buildings of the 20th century: the Pompidou Centre in Paris.

Episode 2: The Power of the Past
In the 1980s, modern architecture was unpopular and under attack from Prince Charles.

During the 1980s, modern architecture was deeply unpopular and under attack from figures such as Prince Charles. But it was during this time that these radical Brits achieved some of their greatest successes. Terry Farrell reveals how he was kept in the dark when designing MI6 Headquarters, while Nicholas Grimshaw followed in the footsteps of the great Victorian engineers with Waterloo Station.

Episode 3: The Politics of Power
From the late 90s onwards, iconic landmarks were created across Britain and the world.

During the late 1990s, British architects were at the peak of their success. Iconic landmarks across the worldwere built. But they also faced some of the biggest controversies of their careers. The Millennium Dome was ridiculed by the press, London’s Millennium Bridge wobbled and a new parliamentary building, Portcullis House, became the most expensive office block in Britain.