What Is Modern: Characteristics of Modern Architecture

What is modern: characteristics of
modern architecture
What is different about modern architecture? a2 modern member, Greg Jones, A.I.A.,
summarizes some of the common characteristics of this period of architecture.
Characteristics of Mid-Century Modern:
Lack of ornament: Decorative moldings and elaborate trim are eliminated or

greatly simplified, giving way to a clean aesthetic where materials meet in simple,
well-executed joints.
Emphasis of rectangular forms and horizontal and vertical lines: Shapes of

houses are based boxes, or linked boxes. Materials are often used in welldefined planes and vertical forms juxtaposed against horizontal elements for
dramatic effect.
Low, horizontal massing, flat roofs, emphasis on horizontal planes and

broad roof overhangs: Modern homes tend to be on generous sites, and thus
many, but not all, have to have meandering one-story plans. Many examples hug
the ground and appear of the site, not in contrast to it.
Use of modern materials and systems: Steel columns are used in exposed
applications, concrete block is used as a finished material, concrete floors are
stained and exposed, long-span steel trusses permit open column-free spaces,
and radiant heating systems enhance human comfort.
Use of traditional materials in new ways: Materials such as wood, brick and
stone are used in simplified ways reflecting a modern aesthetic. Traditional
clapboard siding are replaced with simple vertical board cladding used in large,
smooth planes. Brick and stonework are simple, unornamented, and used in
rectilinear masses and planes.
Emphasis on honesty of materials: Wood is often stained rather than painted

to express its natural character. In many cases exterior wood is also stained so
that the texture and character of the wood can be expressed.
Relationship between interior spaces and sites: Use of large expanses of

glass in effect brings the buildings site into the building, taking advantage of
dramatic views and natural landscaping.
Emphasis on open, flowing interior spaces: Living spaces are no longer

defined by walls, doors and hallways. Living, dining and kitchen spaces tend to
flow together as part of one contiguous interior space, reflecting a more casual
and relaxed way of life.
Generous use of glass and natural light: Windows are no longer portholes to
the outside, but large expanses of floor to ceiling glass providing dramatic views
and introducing natural light deep into the interior of homes.
Use of sun and shading to enhance human comfort: The best modern homes
are efficient. They are oriented to take advantage of natures forces to provide
passive solar heating in the winter, while long overhangs and recessed openings
provide shading to keep homes cool in the summer.
Transcript of Architecture: Modern Vs.

Postmodern
Sarah Thornley, P.2 Modern vs. Postmodern Thesis: Modern
and Postmodern architecture have many similarites and
differences, which will be compared and contrasted
throughout my project. Modern Architecture:
-Developed after WW1, but gained in popularity after WW2
-Developed by those against the lavish and expensive
appearance in Victorian and European architecture.
-Follows a "form follows function" and "truth to materials"
notion, meaning that the result of a design should come from
its purpose, and that none of the materials should try and be
concealed as something else. (e.g a concrete slab as a wall).
- Showed a use of less materials, as well as more natural
light.
-First modern buildings were skycrapers Post-Modern
Architecture
-Showed up in late 60's, gained popularity in early 1980's.
-Same philosophy as modern, although buildings use more
cylindrical and whimsical shapes as opposed to strictly
rectangles, and horizontal/vertical lines.
-Drew from past styles , such as Greek and Roman, and
brought the return of the column. -Both use very little
construction materials
-Use tons of natural light
-Use geometric shapes Comparison Contrast Modern strictly

uses horizontal and vertical lines, as well as rectangular
shapes.
Postmodern shows a use of "Dr. Suess" or whimsical like
shapes.
Modern houses are very simple, while postmodern shows a
greater use of ornamental styles, drawn from the art-deco
period. Famous Modern Architects:
Louis Sullivan (1856-1924): Father of the modern day
skyscraper, Frank Lloyd Wright's mentor.
Frank Lloyd Wright:(1867-1959)
Works include Falling Water and The Robie House
Daniel Burnham (1846-1912)
Laid the foundation for many urban design theories. Most
famous work - Flatiron building, NY, NY. Famous Postmodern
Architects:
Robert Venturi- wrote the book "Complexity and Contradiction
in Architecture" (published in 1966). It opened architects eyes
to a completely new style of architecture. He is considered
the forefront of the entire post-modern movement. KEY
TERMS:
Modernism
Postmodernism
Contemporary
Symbolysm
Cylindrical
Ornamental
Art Deco
Victorian
Articulation Works Cited:
http://architecture.about.com/od/greatarchitects/p/venturi.ht
m
http://architecture.about.com/od/20thcenturytrends/tp/20thcg
reats.htm
http://www.dwell.com/
http://www.modernaustin.com/
Deconstructivism in architecture
Deconstructivism in architecture was born in the late 80s of the twentieth century.
Its characteristic feature is the idea of fragmentation. It also manipulates the surface
and the cover of the construction. It is dominated by curvilinear shapes, which are
supposed to disturb and dislocate the skeleton of the object. The structure of the
building has a feeling of controlled chaos and stimulating unpredictability.
Deconstruction is a continuation of an earlier architecture style - postmodernism.

However, is stands in opposition to the limiting rules of modernism, including materials
fidelity, purity of form or forms functioning. Deconstructivism in architecture rejects the
rule of ornament as a side effect or an item of decoration.
Deconstructionists often drew their inspiration from Russian constructivism. Delighted

by the new, experimental forms and geometric structure destabilization. Today, in their
work, architects need a computer. It helps in the creation of projects in destructivism
and inexpensive mass production of subtly differing elements.
In 1988, an exhibition titled "Architecture deconstructionism" in the Museum of Modern
Art was organized. It crystallized a new style in architecture and has brought fame to
artists who took part in it.
The best example of deconstructionism complexity of this architecture is the Vitra
Design Museum designed by Frank Gehry. It is a white, bare cube-shaped building,
which was deconstructed using geometry evoking abstract expressionism and cubism.
One of the best architects of deconstructionism are: Frank Gehry, Vlado Miluni, Zaha
Hadid, Coop Himmelb (l) au, Peter Eisenman, Bernard Tschumi, Rem Koolhaas, Daniel
Libeskind.
The most famous works of architectural deconstructionism are: "Dancing House" in
Prague, the Imperial War Museum in Manchester in the UK, Vitra Design Museum in
Weil-am-Rhein (Germany), Seattle Central Library in USA, UFA-Palast in Dresden , the
Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, the MIT Stata Center in Cambridge, USA, The
Jewish Museum in Berlin, Vienna, Austria Gasometer, BMW World in Munich
(Germany), Limoges Concert Hall and the Parc de la Villette (Paris), France, New
Acropolis Museum in Athens (Greece), the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San
Francisco in the U.S., CCTV HQ in Beijing, China and Gehry Tower in Hannover,
Germany.
KANON . HISTORY OF: ART .

NTING . SCULPTURE . FURNITURE . DESIGN . CLOTHING . GARDENS . MUSIC . PHOTOGRAPHY . ICONOGRAPHY . MYTHOLOGY . PHILO
CHAPTER: MODERNISM . POSTMODERNISM . HIGH-TECH ,
DECONSTRUCTIONISM , CRITICAL REGIONALISM
A HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE - DECONSTRUCTION

COOP HIMMELB(L)AU . EISENMAN . GEHRY . HADID . KOOLHAAS . LIBESKIND . TSCHUMI
/under construction/
Critics discussing the phenomenon of deconstructionism use the

entire complex of the phraseology developed by Derrida. However, the concept of deconstructionism to be
understood explicitly (as the concept of constructivism) with the proviso that the two concepts have
nothing
to
do
with
thestructure
a
component
architecture.
Deconstructionism
is
simply
removing
the
essence
of
architecture.
Constructivism was an abstract, mystical attitude, aimed at creating a new reality - or rather - over-the reality.
Because it was completely anti-functionalist, can be readily harnessed in the service of any utopian ideology.
The best example of anti-logic, anti-rationalist and anti-functional constructivism is Wolkenbugel El
Lissitzky'ego of 1924 (on the left). The office building was put up in the clouds, and connected to the earth with
lifts and installation shafts. The object itself is interesting, but forced to the question - why?.
The only effect of such a concept is to increase the cost of building and difficulty of life for its users. Under the
building there is no park, no benches. There are only a roadway, as depicted in futuropolis of Sant'Elia.
Proportion of buildings indicate that all can fit on the ground. The lifts are completely unnecessary. They are
only a symbol of modernity. Total functional nonsense. Art for art's sake. The whole constructivism is
irrational in nature and there is nothing wrong in that as long as it belongs to pure art. His transfer to the field
of architecture must lead to disaster. Constructivism of Gabo and Pevsner did not create the structure
of reality, but the structure of works of art.
In the catalog of the exhibition "Architecture of deconstruction" (MoMA, 1988), Philip Johnson and Mark Wigley
posted, that projects in this exhibition represent a different sensibility, in which the dream of pure form has
been disturbed. Architecture becomes deconstructivist, if it storms our ability to think on the form. Elsewhere,
Philip Johnson also argues that "the creation of strange buildings uses the hidden potential of modernism. "
This is the whole philosophy of deconstructionism: "disorder of dreams of purity of form"and "disorder of
thinking
about
the
form."
Such statements are good in the post-Dadaists sketches of the Cabaret Voltaire, but the relationship between

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What is modern: characteristics of

Lack of ornament: Decorative moldings and elaborate trim are eliminated or

Emphasis of rectangular forms and horizontal and vertical lines: Shapes of

Low, horizontal massing, flat roofs, emphasis on horizontal planes and

Emphasis on honesty of materials: Wood is often stained rather than painted

Relationship between interior spaces and sites: Use of large expanses of

Emphasis on open, flowing interior spaces: Living spaces are no longer

Transcript of Architecture: Modern Vs.

-Use geometric shapes Comparison Contrast Modern strictly

Deconstruction is a continuation of an earlier architecture style - postmodernism.

Deconstructionists often drew their inspiration from Russian constructivism. Delighted

KANON . HISTORY OF: ART .

CHAPTER: MODERNISM . POSTMODERNISM . HIGH-TECH ,

DECONSTRUCTIONISM , CRITICAL REGIONALISM

A HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE - DECONSTRUCTION

Critics discussing the phenomenon of deconstructionism use the

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