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10 Modern Architechture
History
Modern architecture is the school of design that prevailed since the turn of the 20th century
until World War II. The horrendous war altered the kind of buildings needed in the post-war era. People
needed practicality and functionality more than ever to rebuild—from scratch—the entire cities that
were demolished at the time. The dominant Beaux-Arts and neoclassical architecture, back then, had to
subside to make way for a new architectural style that can meet the public needs. This is how Modern
architecture arose and there are architecture icons that define postmodernism from the 20th century.
Modernism or Modern Architecture is an architectural style that emerged in the early years of
the 20th Century. Modernism would become the dominant architectural form in the aftermath and
devastation of the Second World War across Europe.
It is characterized by its heavy use of new technologies with particular emphasis on the use of
glass, steel and, of course, reinforced concrete. Many also define it as being the rejection of the old
traditional neoclassical style and Beaux-Arts that were popularised during the previous century.
Modern Architecture would remain the dominant architectural form throughout most the 20th
Century until it was deposed in the 1980's by, the appropriately termed, postmodernist style.
Modern Architecture Style:
Modern Architecture depended on utilizing novel construction techniques and materials
like reinforced concrete, steel, and glass. This architectural style was very “in”, especially for government
buildings and universities, until the 1980s where it started to face strong competition from other new
schools like postmodernism and neomodernism.
Today, we bring you a broad selection of some of the most famous buildings created under the umbrella
of Modern architecture:

Modern Buildings

The Fallingwater House (Frank Lloyd Wright, Mill Run, Pennsylvania, USA, 1935)

The design of the iconic house was inspired by

Japanese architecture which is famous for using
cantilevers. The house that was ideally incorporated into
the natural landscape, was created as a weekend
getaway for the Kaufmann family.
The house’s condition started to deteriorate quickly after
construction that Mr. Kaufman called it the
‘seven-buckets building’, referring to the leaky roof. Moreover, the cantilevered terraces started to fall off
due to the lack of proper reinforcement. The house underwent revamp several times and was converted
into a museum in 2002.

Glass House (Philip Johnson, New Canaan, Connecticut, USA, 1949)

Philip Johnson built that house to be his own. His design was
minimal and utilized the reflection/transparency features of glass. He
also experimented with dimensions and geometric shapes which made
the house one of the landmarks of the area and an icon in the world of Modern architecture.
The weekend home was made mainly of glass and steel. However, it also suffered from the ‘leaky roof’
issue like the Fallingwater house, which made Johnson describe it, jokingly, as the ’four-bucket house’.
Villa Savoye (Le Corbusier, Paris, France, 1931)
The house was built as a family retreat for the Savoyes, in Poissy, on the outskirts of Paris. Its distinct
design manifested the ‘five points’ that Le Corbusier endorsed which included the open plan, the grid of
reinforced concrete columns, the horizontal windows, the roof garden, and the independent façade.
The family suffered greatly from problems that arose after they started using it. Faulty construction and
design mishaps caused the family to abandon it a few years later. It has miraculously made it to the list of
’Public Buildings’ and has been turned into a museum.
The Guggenheim Museum (Frank Lloyd Wright, New York, USA, 1959)
The great architect marketed the concept of organic architecture which envisioned humanity
being intimately linked to the environment.
The cone-shaped museum comprises many key galleries and art collections. The spirally-designed
interior takes you on an endless journey dissolving all obstacles between spaces. The rigid geometric
shapes that were dominant in Modern architecture were described by Wright, who says: “these
geometric forms suggest certain human ideas, moods, sentiments – as for instance: the circle, infinity;
the triangle, structural unity; the spiral, organic progress; the square, integrity.” Wright saw the
Guggenheim as a ‘temple of the spirit’.

Barcelona Pavilion (Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe, Barcelona, Spain, 1929)

The pavilion was originally introduced as the German Pavilion for the 1929 International
Exposition in Barcelona, hosting the German wing of the exhibition. The design, which was influenced by
the Bauhaus movement, features transparent walls and a cantilevered roof. Although the pavilion was
quite minimal, the architect did his best to use luxurious materials like red onyx, marble, and Travertine.
One of the lavish pieces of furniture, specially created for the building, was the legendary ‘Barcelona
Chair’.

David S. Ingalls Skating Rink in New Haven (Eero Saarinen, Connecticut, USA)
The building is also known as ‘Yale Whale’, referring to Yale University, from which Eero Saarinen
has graduated. The creative design holds the distinct architectural signature of Saarinen, who often used
catenary arches. The hockey arena has an undulating cantilevered roof which is supported by a
90-meter-high arch of reinforced concrete.
Villa Dirickz (Marcel Leborgne, Brussels, Belgium, 1933)
Another seminal building of Modern architecture is Villa Dirickz. It features eye-catching blocky
features, glass works, and white concrete surrounded by greenery. The villa, that is $10,000,000-worth,
houses lavish interiors as well as facilities like a wine cellar and a cinema.
Marcel Leborgne is a pioneering Belgian architect, and he is the father of Modern architecture in
his homeland. The house was designed for Mr.Dirickz, an industrial magnate, who took interest in arts.
Many years afterward, the villa fell into the well of neglect till developer Alexander Cambron bought it in
2007. Cambron dedicated all possible resources to renovate the villa.
Isokon Building in London (Wells Coates, London, UK, 1934)
The residential building, that is still in use up to this day, consists of 32 apartments; 24 of which
are studio apartments and 8 are single-bedroom apartments. The building also includes staff rooms and
a spacious garage.
The apartments had tiny kitchens because there was a communal kitchen at the disposal of the
residents. They could freely use it to prepare food. There were, also, other services like laundry and
shoe-shining.
Avanti Architects, who are specialized in revamping apartments Modern architecture, refurbished the
building in 2003. The refurbishment resulted in establishing a communal gallery in the garage to tell the
people the history of the building. The concrete residential block is listed as a Grade I-building and is one
of the key architectural landmarks in the British capital.
Neue National Galerie (Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe, Berlin, Germany, 1968)
Dedicated to modern art, the museum hosts an art collection that dates back to the early years
of the 20th century. Its typical modernist design included a great amount of glass, a cantilevered roof,
and flat exteriors. The building is surrounded by a sculptured landscape which was also created by Mies
Van der Rohe.
The museum is a section of the National Gallery of the Berlin State Museums. The gallery has been
closed since 2015 for renovations.

The Cité Radieuse (Le Corbusier, Marseille, France, 1952)

This housing project is one of the most important works of Le Corbusier that inspired many
other Modern architectural projects. The minimal project was influenced by the Bauhaus choice of
colors—yellow, red, and blue. It is composed of 337 flats of 27 different types, in addition to a
playground and a pool. The building is made of rough-cast concrete, and the architect planned to also
include a steel frame, but to his misfortune, World War II made that kind of material hard to acquire.
The edifice has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2016.
Top 10 Famous Architechs
Frank Gehry (born 2.28.1929):
There is no mistaking Gehry’s works, as they are the most distinctive, and innovative
architectural phenomena around. His deconstructive forms are iconic as tourists flock to all of his
buildings worldwide to marvel at the architectural forms he creates.  Named by Vanity Fair as “the most
important architect of our age”, he has set the precedence for contemporary architecture. His ability to
create spaces that manipulate forms and surfaces is his most notable feats and we all love his unique
uses of materials that almost defy all logic in how they work together.
Frank Lloyd Wright (born 6.8.1867):
 Some consider Frank Lloyd Wright to be the greatest architect of all time. For he thought of
interior & exterior spaces as one and was ahead of his time in building forms, construction methods, and
never went to a formal architecture school.  His humble American upbringing led him to learning under
Louis Sullivan – another legend in architecture and to this day Wright is noted for his prairie-style
buildings and organic influences. His organic and natural forms that seemed to become one with nature
and his innovative detailing are still considered to be the best building and design concepts, even after
nearly 150 years.
Ieoh Ming Pei – I.M. Pei (born 4.26.1917):
The Chinese born architect came to study architecture in the United States as a teenager and
later became one of the greatest architects of modern architecture. Almost 80 years later I.M. Pei’s work
can be seen worldwide and are noted for their unique use of geometric forms and incorporating Chinese
influences into his work. His National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado embodies Pei’s iconic
geometric forms and unity with natural elements in their surroundings. Pei’s work graces some of the
most prestigious government and acclaimed sites throughout the world.
Zaha Hadid (born 10.31.1950)
The first woman architect who ever won the Pritzker Architecture prize went to the legendary
Zaha Hadid. Born in Iraq Hadid went on to win this iconic award which is often termed the ‘Nobel peace
prize of architecture’. Hadid’s forms are characterized as futuristic, unconventional, daring and artistic.
Many of her projects were never built and she still was ranked on Forbes list at 69th most powerful
women in 2008. Her beautiful buildings always leave us with our mouths open, as if to say, “How did she
design that?”
Philip Johnson (born 7.8.1906)
Noted as the American architect who founded the Department of Architecture and Design at the
Museum of Modern Art in New York City, Johnson’s architectural works are easily identifiable. His glass
house in Connecticut is one of the most familiar residences with its minimal interiors and expansive glass
vistas were just one example of his use of the material. His amazing use of glass, steel and later crystal
became his world-renowned fame.  The Crystal Cathedral in California looks as though it should be in a
child’s fairytale book it is the epitome of forward-thinking architecture that characterized Johnson’s
Minimalism and Pop-Art styles.
Tom Wright (born 9.18.1957)
Is it possible to become one of the greatest modern architects of our time if you are only noted
for one building? When the building is the most recognizable hotel in Dubai, yes. British architect, Tom
Wright is responsible for the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. Acclaimed for its luxurious amenities as a hotel and
also one of the most recognizable buildings in modern architecture. Noted with the world’s tallest
atrium, and equipped with its own helicopter landing pad and tallest tennis court at the top, Tom Wright
definitely deserves to join the list of great modern architects.
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (born 3.27.1886)
Referred to commonly as “Mies”, the German-American architect is termed one of the pioneers
of modern architecture along with Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius. Mies was known for his minimalist
and “less is more” approach to architecture and his forward thinking of using plate glass and structural
steel to divide interior spaces is one of his most notable characteristics in architecture. His innovative
open floor plan concepts were first thought of by Van der Rohe and many of his interior concepts &
furniture styles are widely used in today’s architecture and interiors.
His most notable projects include Barcelona Pavilion, in Barcelona, Spain, New National Gallery in Berlin,
Germany, Seagram Building in New York City and Crown Hall in Chicago, Illinois.
Renzo Piano (born 9.14.1937)
The Italian born architect was named one of Time magazine’s top 100 most influential people in
2008. Piano who is an Italian Pritzker prize-winning architect has been instrumental in shaping modern
architecture that stands on its own in recognition. The Shard – Europe’s tallest skyscraper in London has
faced much controversy in its construction, but many feel it has given London a way to join the
21stcentury. In his younger years he worked with the world-renowned architect Louis Kahn and soon
become known for his unique applications of materials and details.
Jean Nouvel (born 8.12.1945)
Nouvel is a French born architect who has won numerous prestigious awards and honors over
the years for his projects, including the Prtizker Prize in 2008. Nouvel’s most acclaimed fame came from
winning the design competition for the Arab World Institute in Paris that brought him international fame.
Mechanical lenses in the south wall open & shut automatically and are reminiscent of Arabic latticework.
The devices control interior lighting automatically from exterior light levels. Nouvel’s work is known
worldwide and his use of innovative architectural concepts set him apart from many modern architects
today.
Nouvel’s projects of note include: Arab World Institute in Paris, Denstu Building in Tokyo, Ziaty
Andel in Prague, and Gasometer A in Vienna and Les Grandes Tables of Seguin Island in Paris.
Moshe Safdie (born 7.14.1938)
Safdie is another product of Louis Kahn’s apprenticeship that led to his remarkable modern
architecture career. Originally from Haifa, Safdie is known for his 1967 International & Universal
Exposition – Expo 67, which was Canada’s main celebration during its centennial year, and was deemed a
remarkable cultural achievement. Safdie has been awarded with much recognition of which the Gold
Medal, from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada is among the finest.

Most Known Materials Used in Modern Architecture

The modern architecture, a consequence of the industrial revolution evolved in response to new
industrialized materials and technologies resulting in the plane and sleek facades shunting
ornamentation and rejecting earlier traditional styles, materials, and techniques of construction. The
material helps in attaining the physical form of a design. Building materiality is the only factor which is
tangible in nature. And this tangible component offers a variety of intangible emotions and feelings that
can be controlled by selecting the right material. For instance, the warm feeling offered by wood, an
emotion of joy and comfort, or the cold feeling offered by the metals, or the raw feeling offered by
concrete. Selection of appropriate material holds an equal share in designing when compared with
aesthetics and functionality. Materials can transform the way space makes you feel.

Concrete In Modern Architecture

The material that's the backbone of the modern architecture, concrete is composed of cement,
fine and coarse aggregates bonded together in a fixed ratio. The compound can be easily molded into
the desired form using the appropriate scaffolding, forming a column, beam, slab, foundation etc. The
brutal material inspired one of the greatest architect Le Corbusier. The further research about concrete
has led to the development of more materials like durable concrete, high-performance concrete,
self-healing concrete, translucent concrete and bendable concrete.

Brick In Modern Architecture

The brick blocks are like the Lego blocks which can be combined together to form creative
masterpieces through innovative thinking and skilled craftsmanship. Despite the rigid form of a brick
block, they have shown a wide variety and resulted in the formation of beautiful specimens over a
course of time. The researchers these days are working towards transforming the small building material
into a sustainable unit of building construction.

Steel In Modern Architecture

Steel is the material that can be used as a structural material as well as a visible material. Its
property of withstanding tensile forces makes it an effective structural material, as an R.C.C.
reinforcement as well as structural materials such as space frames, I-section beams, trusses etc.
Additionally, it is used as window and door frames, handrails, balustrades, door handles, etc. Steel as a
building material possess the qualities like durability, strength, lightweight, can be recycled, can
withstand the variance in climatic conditions.

Glass In Modern Architecture

The modernistic material used to achieve transparency and light, the glass, is the most common
façade element which offers both visibility as well as protection from the changing climate. The
architecture specimens, the Farnsworth House by Mies van der Rohe and the Glasshouse by Phillip
Johnson justify the extent of the application of glass as a building material. The researchers have been
able to develop the glass with a lower U-value, high thermal insulation property, which suits the
environment and helps in decreasing the energy requirement of a building.

Aluminum In Modern Architecture

Aluminum is a non-ferrous metal abundantly available. It is not readily available and is to be
extracted from the bauxite ore. Possession of qualities like high strength to weight ratio, air tightness,
ease in fabrication and assembling, low handling and transportation cost, high reflectivity, corrosion
resistance and its behavior at extreme temperature, makes it an appropriate construction material.
Usually, the glass façade of modern buildings is supported by sturdy and lightweight aluminum
framework. The building industry has developed a new material called the ‘transparent aluminum’ which
offers excellent transparency as well as form in architecture. Transbay Transit Centre, San Francisco has
updated its façade from glass to transparent aluminum.

Natural Stone In Modern Architecture

Stone being used since the time of evolution of mankind is still a trendy building material.
Despite its heaviness and bulkiness, it is appreciated in the building industry because of its large variety
of texture, color, and sizes. The material is durable and naturally available.

Wood In Modern Architecture

The only renewable building material who's addition in the building gives not just the warm
feeling but an emotion of joy and comfort share in designing when compared with aesthetics and
functionality. These specific materials can transform any space. Its high tensile strength, sound
absorption and other features like heat resistance and electrical resistance make it an exceptional
material to be used in modern architecture.

Tiles Design In Modern Architecture

A modular unit, made up of hard materials such as ceramic, stone or even glass, applied as a
covering material over floors, walls, table tops etc. is an efficient finishing material commonly used in
modern buildings. Easy transportation, easy repair, and availability of comfortable sizes and a variety of
color and texture make it a popular choice among the designers. Tile industry these days are working
towards the concept of recycling in order to attain the sustainability goals.

GENERAL OVERVIEW (MODERN PERIOD)

MODERN ARCHITECTURE

● The period from AD1750 onwards is known as the period of modern architecture.
● Modern architecture can be classified into two kinds;
● iVernacular architecture conforms closely to the traditional way of design.
● It is characterized by minimum of creativity and originality.
● Masons and carpenters are experts in constructing such type of buildings without any guidance
from architects or other building professionals.
● Designed architecture is the result of a conscious effort to create something new.
● Function, form and feeling for utility and aesthetics are the three considerations in designed
architecture.

FACTORS THAT LED TO BIRTH OF MODERN ARCHITECTURE

● Industrial revolution of the 18th century brought about a change in the traditional style of living.
● Wealth also changed hands bringing into existence a new elite class with new tastes.
● Buildings were needed for factories, schools, offices, hospitals, airports, residences, etc.
● Man realized the futility of meaningless ornamentation of buildings, the traditional styles and
orders of architecture.
● The economic depression caused by the First World War, brought about the need and
importance for functional planning.
● The development and use of reinforced concrete (RC) in construction triggered the rapid
development of modern architecture.
● Functional structure with RC columns, beams, and slabs were found to be economical owing to
the increased speed of construction and proper utilization of space.
● Architects got more freedom to plan buildings suitable for various purposes and environments.

GENERAL OVERVIEW (ANCIENT – MODERN PERIOD)

VIEWS OF MODERN ARCHITECTS ON ARCHITECTURE
● Auguste Perret, a French architect says “an architect is a poet who thinks and speaks in terms of
construction.
● Louis Sullivan defined architectural design as “the architects graphical solution of a project or
programme economically, structurally and aesthetically”.
● Vitruvius, an architect and Roman writer in his De Architectura Libri Decem (Ten Books on
Architecture) stated that the principles and requirements of good architecture are “utilitas” –
utility (good planning), “firmitas”-sound construction, and “venustas” – pleasing appearance.
● Frank Llyod Wright defined modern architecture as “power” i.e. material resources directly
applied to purpose.
● Le Corbusier defined architecture in terms of light and shade. He said “architecture is the
masterly, correct and magnificent play of masses brought together in light. Our eyes are made to
see forms in light. Thus cubes, cones, spheres, cylinders or pyramids are the great forms which
light reveals to advantage. They are not only beautiful forms, but the most beautiful forms”.
● He also stated that “architecture does not exist; only function exists”. 1