Modern and contemporary – we are used to using these descriptions as synonyms when we talk about certain innovations, when we emphasize uniqueness in terms of new fashion or new technology. However, in the field of art and architecture, these definitions describe the styles and trends of different periods. Contemporary architecture encompasses everything that is happening today. So what is modernist?
The style of modernist architecture arose with the industrialization of industry, when architects of that time began to pay more attention to practical living conditions than to beauty and aesthetics. In contrast to revivalist styles, modern architecture has no elements of sentimentality, but innovation, experimentalism and minimalism prevail in it.
It is a style that emphasizes function and streamlined form over ornamentation. This design aesthetic departs from classical traditions such as the Queen Anne, Victorian, or Gothic Revival styles, where rich decorations and intricate forms were inevitably integrated. Modern architecture is sharp, clean lines and elementary geometric shapes, it is a style where “less is more”.
The modern architecture movement was a long-lasting one that spanned several decades, lasting for around 60 years. Its exact starting point is difficult to determine, as it encompasses multiple periods. Some consider it to include transitional styles such as Art Deco and Arts and Crafts, while others see these styles as mere inspirations for the mid-modernist style that emerged in the 20th century. Architects of this era tended to value “pure” forms.
Modern design originated from the concept that form should be guided by function. This idea emerged from the architectural work of Louis Sullivan, who designed buildings for the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. This marked the beginning and foundation of modernist architecture.
Other popular pioneers of modern architecture include Frank Lloyd Wright, Staatliches Bauhaus, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier.
Characteristics
Although there are many postulates of modernist architecture, they all share a few common features:
- Clean and minimal lines are characterized by their absence of ornamental details, typically featuring consistent and smooth textures.
- Wide roof overhangs. Some modern homes emphasize low, horizontal structures with large roof overhangs.
- Glass walls and large windows that brings in lots of natural light.
- Open, yet clearly defined spaces. Since modernist architecture focuses on functionality and comfort, the aim is to merge related spaces into one, such as the dining room connected to the living room, etc.
- Modern and traditional building materials. The most common construction materials used in modern buildings are steel, concrete, iron and glass. Previously common building materials such as wood, brick and stone became more decorative elements to show their natural beauty.
- Relationship with the environment. A lot of attention is paid to the location and how the buildings will fit into their surroundings.
- Asymmetric design. Architects in the modernist style played with large, smooth forms and asymmetric compositions, avoiding any additional decorative elements or ornaments.
Rejecting Ornaments and Decoration
Although modernist architecture eventually rejected decorative elements, the early movement still incorporated ornamentation in some designs. For instance, Frank Lloyd Wright admired the stained glass window decoration of a particular style, replacing interior decoration with works of art. As a result, modernist architecture is often characterized as more analytical than decorative, prioritizing functional and structural considerations over ornamental features.
Modernist architecture is different from contemporary architecture
Very often modernist and contemporary architecture are considered as the same style. However, it should be emphasized that modern architecture was inspired by a wider artistic and cultural movement known as modernism, which lasted until around 1960. Meanwhile, contemporary architecture includes architecture from the 1960s to the present day. In short, contemporary architecture reflects the current trends, which are very diverse.
Modernist houses are too “cold” for everyday life
The modernist house was revolutionary for prioritizing free-flowing space and rejecting clutter and excess objects. However, as the modernist movement progressed, many architects began to challenge the strict notion of space and minimalism as cold and impersonal. This led to the emergence of new trends that incorporated ornamentation and a wider color scheme. Today’s modern homes often feature open-concept space plans while maintaining strong privacy motifs.
In conclusion, modernist architecture emerged at the beginning of the 20th century and came to a close around the 1960s, giving way to more contemporary design. The key tenets of modernist architecture are clean, straight lines and a focus on form, with the elimination of ornamental elements. However, the movement’s emphasis on minimalism and functionalism eventually became too austere for everyday living, due to the excessive use of space and the harshness of building materials.
