20th Century Trends

20th Century Trends : (1900 - Present)

Modernism presented a new way of thinking. These resources from Jackie Craven define the most important ideas that influenced architectural design in the twentieth century. They explore Art Moderne and the Bauhaus school coined by Walter Gropius, and move through Deconstructivism, Formalism, Modernism, Structuralism and Postmodernism. Modern architecture was adopted by many influential architects and architectural educators, gained popularity after the Second World War, and continues as a dominant architectural style for institutional and corporate buildings in the 21st century. Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier, Alvar Aalto and Walter Gropius are considered as the masters of modern architecture; whether Louis Kahn's works are considered as monumental beyond modernism. (1)

Areas of Use:

This type of architectural style can be found in big cities all over the world especially in areas that have embraced change.

Characteristics:

Modern buildings are characterized by the fact that first and foremost, materials and functional requirements determine the outcome of the building. There is a strong emphasis on the use of vertical and horizontal lines in a way to simplify and eliminate unnecessary detail. Modern buildings are a rejection of the “old” style and this can be seen in its simple lines rather than flowing curves and arches.. While some critics still argue that modern architecture leaves rooms to be too cold and static, most modernist architects see this as a necessary and pivotal tenet of Modernism: uncluttered and purely minimal design. (3)

Materials:

New building materials drove the inovation of new building techniques as part of the Industrial Revolution. These materials: iron, steel, and glass used as the finish product (rather than wood, stone or plaster) give the homes a "sheek" look. Currently in the 21st century, architectural firms have been putting more time and resources into finding "greener" ways of building homes. They hope to create more eco-friendly homes without sacrificing the importance of functionality. (1)

Links

References:

http://architecture.about.com/od/20thcenturytrends/20th_Century_Trends_in_Architecture.htm (1)

http://architecture.about.com/od/20thcenturytrends/ig/Modern-Architecture/ (2)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_architecture (3)