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New England Modernism: Revolutionary Architecture in the 20th Century

A documentary film screening and discussion with filmmaker Jake Gorst about his deep dive into American Modernism’s
provocative footing in New England.  

Wednesday, April 8, 2026
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET

Released in 2024, “New England Modernism: Revolutionary Architecture in the 20th Century” is the definitive documentary on the early history of Modernist architecture in New England, one of the centers of the Modern Movement in the United States. The film explores works by iconic modern architects as well as lesser-known local and regional practitioners who very early embraced the thought and style of the New Architecture. They developed distinctive responses to the region’s cultural traditions – conservative and progressive – with sensitivity to the particular environmental challenges of building in New England. While much of this played out on the domestic scale, the design culture that blossomed in the post war era produced some of the most important works of this period; which have made New England a global destination for those who appreciate modern architecture and design.

Following the film screening, filmmaker Jake Gorst will discuss his 20-year quest capturing modernism on film and invite attendees' questions about the film, Gorst’s research and his body of documentary work. 

 

Learning Objectives:

1.  Describe the history and historic significance of New England Modernism.

2.  Identify influential architects and attributes of their innovative works of New England Modernism.  

3.  Identify character-defining features of New England Modernism, and strategies for their preservation. 

4.  Explain specific ways in which New England modernism influenced architectural modernism in the US nationwide and beyond. 

Continuing Education Credits
AIA, RCEP
2 LU/PDP

This presentation will not be recorded to protect the film rights.

Registration Fees

  • APT Members: $20
  • Emerging Professionals: $15  $0
  • Students: $10  $0
  • Non-Members: $35

As part of APT's ongoing commitment to the next generation of preservation professionals, we are offering this webinar at no charge for both Student Members and Emerging Professional Members. 

 

 Register

Speakers:

 

Jake Gorst, President, Mainspring Narrative Films

Gorst is an Emmy award winning documentary filmmaker and the director of Mainspring Pictures. He has spent the past two decades researching and documenting mid-century modern architecture, including the work of his grandfather, architectural designer Andrew Geller, in print and film. Recent films directed by Gorst include Modern Tide: Midcentury Architecture on Long Island (2012, Design Onscreen), William Krisel, Architect (2010, Design Onscreen), Journeyman Architect: The Life and Work of Donald Wexler (2009, Design Onscreen) and Desert Utopia: Mid-Century Architecture in Palm Springs (2006, Design Onscreen) along with short films “Curating Modernism” and “Googie,” released in 2026. His films Farmboy (2006, Jonamac Productions), and Leisurama (2005, Jonamac Productions), have been in national U.S. public television distribution. Gorst is also a contributing writer to The Architect’s Newspaper, VOX Hamptons, HOME Miami and Modernism magazines.

 

Brought to you by the APT Technical Committee on Modern Heritage.

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