The Emergence of Modernism
After World War 1, modernist designs continued, and artists and designers gradually started to explore new and diverse possibilities in materials, colors and shapes and started using postmodernist furniture in designs. They rejected past and historic designs and focused more on the advances of technology. New technologies included skyscrapers, automobiles, trains, and photography. This new technology provided the opportunity for mass production. Influential designers of this period would include Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe, and Le Corbusier. They guided towards a new direction of design.
The international style is a major architectural style that developed in Europe and the United States in the 1920s and '30s. These characteristics are common to Modernism with its artistic aspects. It is identified into three principles:
1) The expression of volume rather than mass,
2) The emphasis on balance rather than preconceived symmetry
3) The expulsion of applied ornament.
Common characteristics include basic simplification of form, rejection of ornamentation, and incorporated modern materials such as glass, steel, and concrete. This style formed under the command that modern buildings form and appearance should naturally grow out of and express the potentialities of their materials and structural engineering. A harmony between artistic expression, function and technology would be established in new architecture. The main figures who influenced this style were Walter Gropius, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier, and Frank Lloyd Wright. They popularized "less is more" by expressing the minimalist aesthetic.
A step
further:
One of the influential designers during this period was Le Corbusier. He was a swiss architect and city planner whose designs combine the functionalism of the modern movement with a bold sculptural expressionism. He was most known for urban designs. His approach was to use modern materials such as concrete and designed functional spaces. He used mass production as a method of construction and made use of modular storage pieces.
This is
Villa Savoye, designed by Corbusier. It represents the essence of modern architecture.
He says, “The house should be a machine for living in”. It represents form and function
through the layout and materials incorporated into the design.
We see modern designs all over in our everyday lives. It is a foundation of clean lines, sleek surfaces, and an open layout floor plan. It is very different from historic periods that consists of uncluttered spaces and a minimalistic approach. The idea of “less is more” is a big trademark for many designers which led to create beautiful designs
I really like how at the end you tied modernist design into applications for today. I also really liked how you talked about Le Corbusier's Pavilion. I think a lot of times we don't think of the use of color in architecture like he did. He really showcases modernism and all it's simplicity while still keeping it fun and intriguing. I think often times with simple, sleek designs we can easily become bored but Le Corbusier's use of color adds to that simplicity, creating a design that holds interest at first glance.
ReplyDeleteErica,
ReplyDeleteI liked how you talked about Le Corbusier and his bold designs that he created, while still using and implementing the industrial construction and materials of the time period. I think he was a major inspiration for modernism even into today's designs, especially in architecture and design. I also found it helpful that you discussed the international style and how important those beliefs and values were, because without them, I highly doubt that we would be seeing buildings from Le Corbusier, or Mies van der Rohe and praising them as much as we do in today's society. Overall great job!
Erica,
ReplyDeleteI really like they way you tied in current day influences of modernism. It’s interesting how modernism seems to be the most visible style influencing today. Most public spaces for instance seem to lean this way rather than more embellished styles. The whole less is more theory is still very popular in commercial and residential design today.
Erica,
ReplyDeleteWonderful summary of how Modernism was born. This was such an exciting time in the history of design. I loved your examples of current day applications.