MODERNIST ARCHITECTURE
WHAT IS MODERNIST ARCHITECTURE?
Modernists try to emphasise the importance of rational and efficient use of space, while showing great interest in effective choice of materials and structure. Purely striking, picturesque constructions are not something that appeal to modernists simply due to the fact that structure and form is seen as much more important that appearance. Modernists rethought how humans lived in, and used, their surrounding environment in the past. Ornament was not important in a natural environment (landscape) and therefore is not necessary in a designed environment (buildings). When designing an architectural structure or building, function should take priority, and should never be substituted solely for an attractive appearance.
Modernist architecture rejects any ornamental features on buildings and architectural structures. The absence of ornament helps modernists to embrace a much more minimalist approach. It is common for modernism structures to have open- plan interiors, large windows, and use mainly cubic or cylindrical shapes. They also often appear to be very simplistic because of their flat roofs and asymmetrical compositions.
Modernists also often believe in ‘less is more’. Materials are shown and displayed in their natural form. Nothing is hidden or made to look like something else, meaning all elements of the building are exposed. An example of this is when wood is stained rather than painted in order to express its natural character. Modernist buildings often have unusual profiles and therefore appear to have functional shapes. This is because the architects strip away excess material, and eliminate any inconvenient, useless space. The original forms and shapes this creates can however be decorative as it causes buildings to have multiple roof lines at different levels.
The interior of the buildings also priorities function and therefore are often either open plan, or use ‘pony walls’. ‘Pony walls’ extend from the floor to just below the ceiling which allow rooms to share light. Windows are also very different in modernist buildings; they are no longer small gaps in a wall that allow in limited amounts of light and air flow. Instead, they are large expanses of floor to ceiling glass that allow natural light into the building, while also taking advantage of dramatic views. Windows are also often installed high up in buildings to allow constant air flow and light in, without taking up space.
INFORMATION
MODERNIST BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
Content and Design by Beth Gallienne
August 2016
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