Modern Architecture

Have you noticed that many handmade items are disappearing in favor of their manufactured versions? These days industries such as agriculture, fashion, entertainment, marketing, and countless other sectors are revolutionizing. They are breaking from their traditional patterns and turning to methods influenced by technological advancement. The same can be said for architecture. Thanks to scientific improvement, a new modern style of architecture has emerged.

Modern architecture was at the height of popularity following World War II and through the 1980s. It marked the end of the traditional value of beauty over comfort. With this architectural style, human convenience and comfort were the priority. In modern architecture, function is emphasized over ornamentation. The use of sharp, straight lines and a streamlined form are prevalent. Modern architecture is based on being minimalistic yet attractive. Following this style, contemporary or post-modern architecture emerged and has remained popular until the present day.

History

No revolution happens within a day. There is no specific date as to when modern architecture came into the limelight, but it is easy to trace some influences and reasons that resulted in its heyday.

Louis Sullivan is considered the founder of the idea that “form should follow function.” He designed buildings for the 1893 Chicago World Fair, and his thought became the basis for modern architecture.

Additionally, Bauhaus School was a great contributor to this architectural style. Walter Gropius founded this school in Weimar, Germany, in 1919. It was the first school to teach modern architecture. However, due to Nazi pressure in Germany, the school moved to the United States. In the States, modern architecture developed even further. It became well-recognized under the name “International Style.” It included characteristics like functionality, less ornamentation, simplicity, and clean structure.

Modern architecture was a short-lived architecture form that ended by the mid-20th century. Still, we can see many commercial buildings based on their designs. Moreover, it later gave rise to contemporary architecture.

Characteristics

When you visit a building designed with the principles of modern architecture, you can quickly notice some common characteristics in them. Some of these characteristics are as follows:

Glass and Large Windows

Glass is very common in modern architecture.

You can see huge glass panels elegantly used throughout its designs.

Also, the large windows allow sunlight to enter the room, giving spaces a natural, warm touch.

A Link to the Natural World

As already evidenced by the charm of the windows, the rest of a modern building maintains a connection with the external environment.

Modern architecture gives importance to the relationship between humans and the natural world.

Streamlined Form

You can see sharp and bold lines in modern architecture.

They are simple and straight with minimal or no ornamentation.

Lines and shapes are mostly smooth and consistent.

Minimalist Designs

Modern architecture is based on the idea that “less is more.”

That is why in this style of architecture, you can easily see elegant simplicity all over the place without any excessive fluff or pizazz.

Mostly basic shapes and forms are used with plain and linear elements.

Material: Both Modern and Traditional

Modern and traditional building materials both have their place within modern architecture.

In some constructions, glass, steel, iron, and concrete are dominant, whereas in others, brick, wood, and stone showcase conventional beauty.

Open Floor Plans

We have already seen that functionality is at the heart of modern architecture.

So, open-large floors are a standard characteristic of modern designs.

Large Roofs

Low-horizontal roofs are very common in modern architectural structures.

The broad-roof overhangs can be seen in many modern mid-20th century homes.

Why did contemporary architecture take over modern architecture?

We have explained the rise of modern architecture. It saw its glorious period and reached a dominant position in the world of architecture. However, later, around the 1960s, it was considered too cold for normal housing.

The main reason was a result of the restrictions of open spaces, which neglected to incorporate elements to house excess stuff. There was no extra storage place for furniture, which was hard for normal living. This was the origin point of contemporary architecture. Contemporary architecture incorporates a mixture of ornaments, color, sharp lines, open floors, and privacy.

All in all, we can say that with its minimalistic look, the modern style did have a great contribution to the construction world. Many of its principles of straight lines and simplicity still influence the ideas and work of today.