Modernism

• Modernism is a term applied to modernist movements at the turn of the 20th century, with efforts
to reconcile the principles underlying architectural design with rapid technological advancement
and the modernization of society.

• Modernism is the single most important new style or philosophy of architecture and design of the
20th century, associated with an analytical approach to the function of buildings, a strictly rational
use of (often new) materials, an openness to structural innovation and the elimination of ornament.
It has also been called International Modern or International Style, after an exhibition of modernist
architecture in America in 1932 by Philip Johnson. Modernism also encompasses Futurism,
Constructivism, De Stijl and Bauhaus. The style is characterised by:

o asymmetrical compositions

o use of general cubic or cylindrical shapes

o flat roofs

o use of reinforced concrete

o metal and glass frameworks often resulting in large windows in horizontal bands

o an absence of ornament or mouldings

o a tendency for white or cream

• Plans would be loosely arranged, often with open-plan interiors. Walter Gropius (1883-1969) and Le
Corbusier (1887-1965) were the leaders of the movement. The latter had a profound impact in
Britain, particularly after World War Two, with many public housing schemes. In Britain the term
Modern Movement was used to describe the rigorous Modernist designs of the 1930s to the early
1960s.

What to look for in a Modernist building

o Rectangular or cubist shapes

o Minimal or no ornamentation

o Steel and or reinforced concrete

o Large windows

o Open plan

• When did the modern era of architecture begin? Many people believe the roots of 20th century
Modernity are with the Industrial Revolution (1820-1870). The manufacturing of new building
materials, the invention of new construction methods, and the growth of cities inspired an
 architecture that became known as Modern. Chicago architect Louis Sullivan (1856-1924) is often
named as the first modern architect, yet his early skyscrapers are nothing like what we think of as
"modern" today.

• Other names that come up are Le Corbusier, Adolf Loos, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Frank Lloyd
Wright, all born in the 19th century. These architects presented a new way of thinking about
architecture, both structurally and aesthetically.

• The phrase ‘Form Follows Function’ is often used when discussing the principles of modernism. It
asserts that forms should be simplified – architectural designs should bear no more ornament than
is necessary to Early examples of modern architecture, like Paxton's Crystal Palace in London and
Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple in Chicago make use of these new construction materials,
respectively iron and concrete.

• The Bauhaus School, founded by Walter

Gropius in 1919, was a leading voice in early
modern styles.

• The Bauhaus distanced itself from

ornamentation and earlier ideas of
"beauty", opting for rationalization.

• "Form follows function" was an

architectural battle cry by the 1930s, and
although many modern buildings do feature
lovely ornamentation, it was the goal of the
modernists to shift the focal point of
• Frank Lloyd Wright
architecture from ornamentation and
interior design to construction and form.
While most modernists did not subscribe to
Loos' idea that "ornamentation is
crime,"they sought to replace the earlier stresses on interior design with feats of construction that
were both functional and pleasing to the eye.

• While many other modernists wanted to shock and were drawn to the extremes as a presentation
of their aesthetic, Wright preferred both likability and modernity. Some of Wright's most famous
designs include the Chicago Robie House, Fallingwater in Pennsylvania, and the Guggenheim
Museum in Manhattan. The Guggenheim was especially influential and controversial. Many modern
artists, including Willem de Kooning, objected to the display of their works in an institution that
would compete with the art itself. In this way, the design is questioning art at its most basic form: is
art that which is hanging on the wall, or the wall itself?

• Another pioneer of modern architecture was Mies Van der Rohe (1886-1969). His career was
defined by the "less is more" ideology. He called his works "skin and bones" architecture, minimal in
design and enhancing the feelings of open space and free flow. Like many architects of the Bauhaus
in the 1930s, Mies fled the Nazi regime and settled in Chicago, where he designed the Farnsworth
House and the Seagram Building, among many others.
• The final spearhead of modernism was Le Corbusier, a Swiss/Frenchman who took on the challenge
of sprawl and overpopulation in urban Paris. What began with housing blocks designed for Parisian
slums turned in to entire city plans.

• His goal with these city designs, which were not used for more than inspirational sources for other
architects, were not only designs for buildings but an attempt to better the way of life of a world
citizen. His designs were meant to inspire a better standard of living based on the industrial ideals
brought about by Americans like Henry Ford, and increased political and social co-mingling. Though
many criticize Corbusier’s designs for urban living as further segregation of poor communities, his
ideals are experiencing a resurgence in response to the growing environmental crisis.

• Modern architecture is still very alive today, and has become a stronghold of American aesthetics
and popular culture. While many buildings have succumbed to demolition in the 1970s, many more
are being actively protected and revered for their historical impacts on art and society.

• Modernists believe that ornament should follow the structure and purpose of the building. Family
life and social interaction was at the centre of the modernist dream for a planned environment.
“The vision was for trouble free areas by mixing blocks with terraces to create squares, zoning
services and amenities, all interlinked by roads“

• The prominent figures of the movement – Le Corbusier

• Mies Van Der Rohe and Louis Sullivan

 - had established their reputations.

• Le Corbusier noted the positive force technology had played in people’s lives with revolutionary
inventions such as the car and the telephone, and declared the house should be “A machine for
living in”. 

• His Architectural style was Mechanical analogy

 Linguistic analogy

 Five points of architecture:

 Use of pilotis i.e. reinforced concrete slits

 Free façade

 Open floor plan

 Long horizontal ribbon windows

 Roof garden

VILLA SAVOYE

NOTRE DAME DE HAUNT

PALACE OF
ASSEMBLY,CHANDIGARH

Mies Van Der Rohe

hy
 Simple rectangular forms.
 Open flexible plans and multi-functional spaces.
 Widespread use of glass to bring the exterior in.
 Mastered steel and glass construction.
 Exposed and very refined structural details.
 MAJOR WORKS – House of Alois Reihl ,Barcelona Pavilion, Tugendhat House , IITMP ,Farnsworth
House , Seagram Building etc.

 This building was used for the official opening of the German section of the exhibition.
 It is an important building in the history of modern architecture, known for its simple form and its
spectacular use of extravagant materials, such as marble, red onyx and travertine.
 The same features of minimalism and spectacular can be applied to the prestigious furniture
specifically designed for the building, among which the iconic Barcelona chair.