Modern Architecture

Context:- The development of Modern architecture revolutionized our cities and workplaces, and its design principles not only reflected progress in science, health, and social equality but also intended to help these ideals thrive.

Understanding Modern Architecture

“Modern architecture” refers to architectural styles that emerged within the realm of Modernism, characterized by a focus on innovation, the abandonment of established conventions, and a commitment to artistic, cultural, and societal freedom. This movement encouraged experimentation and the pursuit of unrestrained expression across various creative domains like art, literature, architecture, and music.

The Modern Movement in architecture was born in the 20th century and really took off after World War I. Advancements in engineering, building materials, social equality, health, and industry converged, while past historical styles were rejected. This created a perfect storm that allowed architecture to enter a new era of design.

Modern architecture, beyond its artistic ambitions, sought to address a pressing issue: the surge in urban population. Factors like immigration and burgeoning industries, such as steel manufacturing, drew rural inhabitants to cities, demanding the creation of new offices, factories, and residences to accommodate this growth. The advent of mass production methods facilitated rapid and cost-effective construction of buildings and furniture.

This architectural style transcended borders, evolving to encompass regional variations that catered to specific local requirements and design preferences. Additionally, architects within the Modern movement delved into the impact of materials on design, exploring innovative approaches.

Characteristics of Modern Architecture:

Clean, Minimal Lines: This style prioritizes simplicity, featuring clean lines devoid of excessive ornamentation, maintaining a consistent, smooth texture.
Broad Roof Overhangs: Many modern homes highlight low, horizontal structures with expansive roof overhangs.
Walls of Glass and Large Windows: Generous use of glass allows ample natural light to permeate the interior spaces.
Open and Well-Defined Floorplans: Emphasizing form over function, modern architecture incorporates large, spacious floorplans that seamlessly connect dining and living areas.
Modern and Traditional Building Materials: While modern homes make use of materials like steel, concrete block, iron, and glass, they also integrate traditional materials such as wood, brick, and stone, albeit in more straightforward ways to showcase their natural beauty.
Relationship with the Natural Environment: Considerable attention is paid to the building’s location and its integration with the surrounding natural landscape.
Asymmetrical Designs: Modern architects experiment with large, smooth shapes and asymmetrical compositions, favoring cleanly planed structures without excessive embellishment.

Features of Modern Architecture

1. New Building Materials

Before the 20th century, construction relied on basic materials like brick, stone, and wood. However, scientific advancements ushered in a new era with the development of innovative materials such as mass-produced glass, steel, reinforced concrete, and cast iron. Architects found a realm of possibilities opening up before them, enabling experimentation with materials previously inaccessible.

2. Engineering Advancements

Engineering advancements enabled the utilization of these novel building materials, granting architects the freedom to design structures no longer reliant on thick load-bearing walls for support. This allowed for unprecedented heights, leading to skyscrapers. Buildings could now be slender, lighter, and feature extensive glass surfaces. With fewer walls required, larger floor plans and expansive interior spaces became feasible. Additionally, outer walls could be fashioned in expressive ways that traditional brick and mortar structures couldn’t accommodate.

During the early phase of Modern architecture, architects and designers employed these new materials and techniques experimentally, lacking a comprehensive understanding of their long-term performance and aging. Consequently, some Modern buildings exhibit signs of deterioration and aging. Conserving Modern Architecture Initiative were established to offer resources and aid to those responsible for the conservation and maintenance of these buildings.

3. Form Follows Function

Before Modernism, architects often drew inspiration from historical styles like Beaux-Arts, Gothic Revival, and Neoclassicism in their designs. The building’s purpose had minimal influence on its design in these styles. However, Modernism revolutionized this approach by emphasizing a building’s functionality, linking its appearance to its purpose. Modern architecture leaned towards minimalism, characterized by clean lines, balanced composition, exposed materials, and a departure from historical references. Functionality is paramount; a building should serve its purpose without mimicking past architectural styles.

Alvar Aalto’s design of Finland’s Paimio Sanatorium in 1932 exemplifies this ideology. Constructed for tuberculosis patients, it focuses on easy-to-clean materials, avoiding sharp edges or ornaments that could accumulate dirt, maximizing windows for light therapy, and segregating departments into wings for better light and air. These design aligned with the building’s purpose.

In the 1980s, some architects began challenging Modernism’s long-standing minimalism. The idea of architecture driving social progress felt less urgent, leading to criticism of the style’s stark appearance. Moreover, principles like “form follows function” were widely accepted. Architects started reintroducing ornamentation, deviating from the conventional approach, favoring decorative elements without explicit functions.

Postmodernism emerged, characterized by a blend of design styles, historical references, parody, and excess. Contemporary architecture in the 21st century doesn’t adhere to a single style. It may integrate Modernist elements, sustainability, new technologies, and engineering advancements. Architects and clients vary in tastes, allowing for adornments while adhering to the overarching principles of Modern design. Hence, Modern architecture remains influential and diverse in contemporary construction.

4. Comfort and Health

Believe it or not, the concept of designing homes or commercial spaces for comfort is a relatively recent idea brought forth by Modernism. Modernist principles introduced elements such as integrating with the outdoors, spacious interiors, and abundant natural light. As scientists in the 20th century made strides in understanding disease, hygiene, and nutrition’s fundamental roles in health, architects embraced design aspects that aligned with these discoveries. In contrast, pre-Modern buildings typically featured small windows, numerous rooms with many walls, and a focus on keeping the elements and nature at bay.

In the 20th century, movements advocating for women’s and workers’ rights gained momentum. This era saw a growing consciousness about social disparities and the principle that everyone should have access to high-quality housing, workplaces, and public areas. These shifts, coupled with advancements in mass-production methods, led to the widespread adoption of the Modern aesthetic across various domains like housing, offices, schools, sports venues, transportation, and libraries. These structures are purposefully design to cater to the needs of everyone. “Modernism fueled the belief that top-notch architecture should be within reach for all.” Yet, many pursued the aspiration of the Modern Movement achieving this vision, leaving the extent to which it accomplished this goal open to debate.