Lecture on Modern Architecture

Introduction

• Modern architecture defined the 20th century architecture.
• It was a radical departure from traditional architectural styles.
• Promised rational design and use of new materials.
• Continues to influence contemporary architecture.

Origins of Modern Architecture

• Not a specific style, more of a vibe or concept.
• Emerged from artistic movements in Europe: Expressionism, Futurism, Cubism.
• Influenced by new technologies and societal changes.
• Otto Wagner first used the term 'modern architecture' in 1896.
• Concept of 'Zeitgeist': Buildings representing the current era.
• Examples: Works of Anthony Gaudi and Louis Sullivan.

Modernist Revolution

• Architects created daring and innovative buildings.
• Bauhaus School in Germany, founded by Walter Gropius in 1919, was influential.
• Bauhaus advocated for rational design and minimal ornamentation.
• Mies van der Rohe, a prominent figure at Bauhaus, coined "less is more".

Key Figures and Concepts

• Le Corbusier:
  • Influenced by Cubism.
  • Viewed architecture as an object in space.
  • Authored "Toward an Architecture", promoting the idea of a house as "a machine to live in".
  • Designed the Villa Savoye as an example of his principles.

Idealism in Modernism

• Modernism aimed to create utopia through architecture.
• Believed solving societal issues was possible with better design.
• Key ideas: Better ventilation, natural light, housing designs to combat diseases and poverty.

International Style

• 1932 exhibition at New York's Museum of Modern Art.
• Coined the term 'International Style'.
• Characterized by lack of ornamentation, use of steel, concrete, and glass.
• Style could be implemented worldwide.

Post-War Era and Regional Adaptation

• Post-war period marked prolific modernist architecture works by Le Corbusier and Mies.
• Migration of modernist architects to America.
• Regional adaptations in Miami, California, etc.
  • Example: Morris Lampedus’s playful beachside resorts.
  • Glass house designs by Philip Johnson and Mies.
  • Oscar Niemeyer's work in Brazil.
  • Le Corbusier's Notre-Dame de Haut in 1955.

Decline of Modernism

• 1950s and 60s saw a decline in modernism’s idealism.
• Shift towards corporate identity rather than utopia.
• Homogenization of city skylines.
• Problems in urban design: Le Corbusier’s Towers in a Park concept.
• Notable failure: Pruitt-Igoe public housing.
• Demolition led Charles Jencks to declare modern architecture 'dead'.

Continuation of Modernism

• Despite setbacks, modern architecture persists.
• Continues to influence new generations of architects.
• Emphasis remains on functionality, new materials, and improving human conditions.
• Remains a timeless and optimistic architectural style.

Conclusion

• Modernism offers an idealistic vision, a hopeful beacon for future.
• Encourages innovation and a forward-thinking approach to architecture.

Additional Resources

• For more information, visit arcbydesign.com.
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