1. Discuss the general characteristics modern architecture. Give at least 3 examples each.

Modern architecture began in the early 1920s and was made possible because of Industrialization.
It is heavily influenced by the philosophy “form follows function” by Louis Sullivan. This means that there
must be no unnecessary ornamentation and its architectural form must be simplified to the function that
it serves. Its general characteristics are:

-Lack of ornament

Isokon Building, London, UK

Villa Dirickz, Brussels, Belgium

Isokon Building, London, UK

-Exterior façade covered with huge glass widows

Glass House, Connecticut, USA

Neue National Galerie, Berlin, Germany Fagus Factory, Germany

-Simplified geometric forms

Farnsworth House, Illinois, USA

Bauhaus, Dessau, Germany

 Cité Radieuse, Marseille, France

-Use of steel and reinforced concrete

The Seagram Building, NY, USA

860-880 Lake Shore Drive Apartments, Chicago, USA

United Nations Secretariat Building, NY, USA

2. Discuss the influences that ushered the development of modern architecture.

The rise of Modern architecture was brought about by multiple influencing factors. Prominent
architects such as Le Corbusier, Walter Gropius and Mies van der Rohe helped in developing this style.
The earliest influence that prompted modernization of buildings was the Industrial Revolution when the
mass production of iron and steel in huge volumes allowed structurally efficient buildings. Previous
buildings were expected to have a solid and sturdy base and materials only gets lighter the higher it is. On
the contrary, modern architecture defied conventional expectations of buildings with the newfound
ability to cast iron and to use steel beams. Because exterior walls weren’t needed to support interior space
and of steel framing, large glass windows were possible. However, it wasn’t until the turn of the 20th
century when the elements of modern architecture became standardized into a set of principles. Although
new techniques in building construction were introduced earlier, people were still attached to the classical
aesthetics.

Theories and principles published by architects also ushered the development of modern
architecture. The essay “The Tall Office Building Artistically Considered” published by American architect,
Louis Sullivan was one of those. This was where he coined the famous principle in design, “form follows
function”. The Swiss architect Le Corbusier also co-founded a journal called L’ Esprit Nouveau. He
advocated the idea that architectural design should be separate from historical references and
associations. He also introduced urban planning theories posing that residential and commercial facilities
should be isolated from one another. Walter Gropius on the other hand founded the Bauhaus School in
Weimar, Germany. There it was taught that architectural forms should simplified to the essential functions
of a building. It should not contain any unnecessary ornamentation that does not serve a purpose.

After World War 2, many buildings were destroyed and immense reconstructions occurred almost
everywhere across the globe. Economic construction processes and efficient urban planning methods
were in demand. This led to the implementation of modernist construction in public housing projects to
shiny glass towers of the wealthy. This eventually resulted to the spread of modern ideas to the masses.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:

https://www.arch2o.com/10-most-iconic-buildings-modern-architecture/

https://interestingengineering.com/21-buildings-that-helped-shape-modern-architecture-from-1945-to-
today

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ym2CGp69oBQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBCa_jbxGfI