What is modern architecture?
Architecture in North America has been evolving since the early 1900’s to become much more modern than what we have formerly seen. Modern architecture can be classified as anything that uses simplicity or a form of absence as decoration. Minimalism and the illusion of movement is manipulated and used in many architectural structures all around the world. Slowly, we are moving collectively towards the modernization of society through architecture.
Modern architecture is rapidly gaining popularity in North America, and this is influencing many European countries, such as Italy and Russia, to expand their horizons architecturally. Modern architectural structures often gain a reaction from those who are exposed to them, because of their “shock factor”; these buildings are not what most people would consider to be “the norm”, due to the fact that they are constantly manipulating shape and size as we have not seen before.
Architecture in North America has been evolving since the early 1900’s to become much more modern than what we have formerly seen. Modern architecture can be classified as anything that uses simplicity or a form of absence as decoration. Minimalism and the illusion of movement is manipulated and used in many architectural structures all around the world. Slowly, we are moving collectively towards the modernization of society through architecture.
Modern architecture is rapidly gaining popularity in North America, and this is influencing many European countries, such as Italy and Russia, to expand their horizons architecturally. Modern architectural structures often gain a reaction from those who are exposed to them, because of their “shock factor”; these buildings are not what most people would consider to be “the norm”, due to the fact that they are constantly manipulating shape and size as we have not seen before.
Modern architecture has grown so much in popularity that it is being referred to as the “Modernist Movement”. When this new form of building came to light in the United States in the early 1900’s, most people rejected the idea of these new styles. Frank Lloyd Wright, the creator of the Larkin Building, which was erected in New York City in 1904, was one of the first to openly express his love for modern art, and for this he received a great deal of criticism from traditionalists. His work was not truly appreciated until the mid-1930’s, when Americans finally began to embrace his architectural style.
Since then, several branches of modern architecture have emerged. Some of these include Futurism, which originated from Italy; futurism incorporates a great deal of technology into its structures, giving them an extremely contemporary style. Constructivism also emerged as a form of modern architecture in Russia, when architects used a variety of contrasts and opposite shapes in the same building, as opposed to their traditional patterns and “sameness”.
Since then, several branches of modern architecture have emerged. Some of these include Futurism, which originated from Italy; futurism incorporates a great deal of technology into its structures, giving them an extremely contemporary style. Constructivism also emerged as a form of modern architecture in Russia, when architects used a variety of contrasts and opposite shapes in the same building, as opposed to their traditional patterns and “sameness”.
As the world was finally beginning to accept these new forms of architecture, World War II brought about the desire for tradition once again. Nazis despised the idea of modern architecture, and considered it to be an insult to the face of a city. Because of this, many modern buildings were torn down and replaced with traditional styles. This was a massive setback for architects who had put their reputations on the line in designing and building modern buildings. However, despite how difficult a time this was for architects who were trying to expand their horizons, wartime brought about a demand for supplies. Some of these supplies included large amounts of steel and architectural aluminum. Although it was looked down upon, many brave people decided to begin experimenting with these materials to see how they could be incorporated into new buildings.
Slowly, architecture began to evolve once more after the end of World War II. Architects were experimenting not only with steel and aluminum, but also with glass. Many of the skyscrapers that we see today in large cities give the illusion of being made completely of glass, as this is a common style that evolved from modern architecture. As this new style was embraced once more, it spread for the first time to housing, as many people wanted to incorporate these new styles into their own homes.
Today, although several traditional structures are still being produced on a regular basis, modern architecture has expanded in ways that no one had formerly thought possible. Through the help of influential figures in architecture, some buildings around the world even have an “extraterrestrial” style, inspired by the idea of high-tech spaceships and flying saucers. It is truly incredible how modern architecture has inspired people to take risks in their building.
Today, although several traditional structures are still being produced on a regular basis, modern architecture has expanded in ways that no one had formerly thought possible. Through the help of influential figures in architecture, some buildings around the world even have an “extraterrestrial” style, inspired by the idea of high-tech spaceships and flying saucers. It is truly incredible how modern architecture has inspired people to take risks in their building.