What is Modern Architecture? | ARCHITECTURE 101

Summary

Modern architecture emerged in the early 20th century as a revolutionary movement that aimed to improve society through rational design and new materials. Inspired by artistic movements like expressionism and cubism, modernism sought to create buildings that reflected the zeitgeist of the time. Architects like Walter Gropius, Mies van der Rohe, and Le Corbusier promoted ideals of simplicity, functionality, and a better future. Although modernism's idealism waned over time, it has endured, continuing to influence architecture with its commitment to improving the human condition through design.

Takeaways

• 😀 Modern architecture represents a radical departure from centuries of architectural thought, aiming to build a better world through rational design and new materials.
• 😀 The term 'modern architecture' was coined by architect Otto Wagner in 1896, marking the beginning of a shift to designs that reflect contemporary society and its values.
• 😀 Modernism, influenced by artistic movements like expressionism, futurism, and cubism, was not a set style but rather a vibe—a broad term for new architectural trends.
• 😀 The Bauhaus school, founded by Walter Gropius in 1919, was pivotal in promoting rational design and eliminating ornamentation in architecture, shaping modernist ideals.
• 😀 Modernism emphasized simplicity, open spaces, and functionality, as shown in iconic works like the Barcelona Pavilion by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier's Villa Savoye.
• 😀 The idea of 'architecture as a machine to live in' was championed by Le Corbusier, who sought to improve society through functional, well-designed spaces.
• 😀 Modernist architects believed that architecture could solve societal problems, including disease, poverty, and homelessness, through better design.
• 😀 The International Style, a term coined in 1932, described the modernist movement's emphasis on simplicity, steel, glass, and concrete, making it universally applicable.
• 😀 Post-WWII, modernism continued to evolve, attracting business tycoons in the U.S. who used it to convey prestige and forward-thinking values, seen in buildings like the Lever House and Seagram Building.
• 😀 Over time, the idealism of modernism gave way to corporate identity, and the style became commercialized. Some modernist urban ideas, like Le Corbusier's towers in a park, resulted in failed housing projects.
• 😀 Despite criticism and shifts in architecture, modernism has endured, with architects continuing to innovate while keeping the movement's core principles of function, form, and social impact alive.

Q & A

What is modern architecture, and how did it come about?

Modern architecture refers to a movement that began in the early 20th century, focused on radical changes in architectural thought. It emerged as a response to new technologies, materials, and the changing needs of society. Influenced by artistic movements like expressionism, futurism, and cubism, modernism aimed to create architecture that reflected the present moment and improved societal conditions.

How did the term 'modern architecture' originate?

The term 'modern architecture' was first coined by architect Otto Wagner in 1896, when he delivered a speech at Vienna's Academy of Fine Arts. In his speech, he argued that society's changing needs called for a rethinking of traditional architectural forms, pushing for designs that reflected the modern era.

What role did the Bauhaus play in modern architecture?

The Bauhaus, founded by Walter Gropius in 1919, was crucial in the development of modern architecture. It advocated for the elimination of ornamentation and promoted rational design principles. The school influenced major figures like Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier, who embodied the Bauhaus ideals of simplicity and functionality in their designs.

What was Le Corbusier's approach to architecture?

Le Corbusier viewed architecture as a machine for living. Influenced by cubism and machines, he believed that buildings should be designed to improve people's lives. His work, such as the Villa Savoye, reflected his ideas of functionality and the use of new materials like concrete to create a harmonious relationship between architecture and society.

What was the International Style, and why was it important?

The International Style was a term coined in the 1930s by Philip Johnson and Henry Russell Hitchcock to describe modern architecture that transcended cultural context. Characterized by the use of steel, glass, and concrete, this style focused on simplicity, lack of ornamentation, and functional design, aiming to create a universal architecture suitable for any location.

How did modernism impact post-war architecture in America?

After World War II, many modernist architects moved to the United States, where their designs influenced the development of corporate architecture. Buildings like the Lever House and Seagram Building in New York embraced modernist principles, with sleek glass and steel facades that represented both modernity and corporate prestige.

How did modernism adapt to different regions, such as Miami and Brazil?

Modernism adapted to various climates and cultures. In Miami, architects like Morris Lapidus added playful and whimsical elements to modernist principles, designing iconic beachside resorts. In Brazil, Oscar Niemeyer used modernism to create a utopian vision in Brasília, incorporating sculptural forms and bold concrete designs.

What led to the decline of modernism in architecture?

By the 1960s, modernism's idealism began to fade as the movement became associated more with corporate identity than societal improvement. The failure of some modernist concepts, like Le Corbusier's 'towers in a park' design, in practice led to disillusionment, especially with the rise of large, impersonal public housing projects.

What was the impact of Charles Jencks' statement in 1972 about the death of modernism?

Charles Jencks' declaration that modern architecture died in 1972, following the demolition of Pruitt-Igoe, marked a turning point. His statement highlighted the failure of modernist ideals in urban planning, especially in the context of poorly designed public housing. However, this did not signal the end of modernism, as its core principles continued to influence future architectural trends.

Why does modern architecture continue to thrive, despite its challenges?

Modern architecture endures because it represents timeless ideals. It channels a humanistic desire to improve the world, encouraging architects to innovate and design better, more functional spaces. The movement's focus on form following function and the incorporation of new materials continues to resonate with contemporary architects.