Modernism In Architecture

Jimena Cueto

How did Modernism affect architecture and its development in Europe?

Analysis

Modernism began affecting the architectural development in Europe since de 1900’s. Modern architecture was created by society to express their thoughts and beliefs of the world’s situation. For instance, in the beginning the architectural style was affected by the consequences of World War 1. At that time this movement worked as a distraction for the people, as a distraction that would help them forget their economic, social, and political situation; an approach to modern art, politics, science, and life. This new movement had the purpose of developing a new culture that would leave behind the traditions and authority, in search for a modern society.

Modernist architects had the idea of using man made materials, “rational” use of modern items. During the 19th century there were a variety of attempts to use modern technology to create a contemporary architectural style. With modern technology came heating and air conditioning systems, which allowed architects to manipulate the weather conditions. New materials like glass, steel, and concrete were embraced. Architects adopted the saying: less is more, which is applied to some 21st century buildings. One can find the importance of this data by realizing that man had to catch up with the technology and each individual had to use it for the “correct” reasons or in the correct moment. The use of machines became the main theme in the Modernist movement. two architects that stood/stand out for their incredible work regarding technology and the use of machines are Walter Gropius and Le Corbusier. Their work is found all around the world and each piece is unique.

Architects realized that there was no need to include extra decoration in the buildings. By having no ornamentation, modernists believed in the creation of new, high efficient, utopian societies free from past failures and resentment. Specialist say that with modernism, came functionalism, with the elimination of ornamentation and concentration in the function. This movement led to the idea of the inside outward design or buildings, with the purpose of showing-off the essential

From a useless resource it grew to the solution of many problems. The absence of decorations, the importance of structure and material, the innovation of technology, the will to explore, and the courage to be better architects influenced the 1900’s architecture. Many sources will probably contradict my ideas and believes but it does not matter since no one can deny the fact that there was an impact. If, somehow that impact did not happen, then we would probably not be looking at the biggest buildings in the world or we would have probably seen our office building fall during an earthquake. This movement had the purpose of developing a new culture that would leave behind the old traditions and style, in search for a modern