The Complete Guide to Modern Architecture

Modern architecture was a movement during the 1930s through the 1970s in which architects worked to reinvent ways of building that focused more on how humans lived versus what is considered beautiful. The dawn of modern architecture came when hand-labored craftsmanship was replaced with machine-made industrialization. This popular architectural style is not sentimental, like revivalist styles. Instead, it is innovative, experimental, and minimal. 

The basic principles of modern architecture include form following function, clean lines, open floor plans, abundant natural light, and a lack of ornamentation. A modern building was designed to exhibit its most basic function and practicality to support the human experience.

Learn more about the dawn of modern architecture and how to recognize its most identifiable characteristics.

What Is Modern Architecture?

Modern architecture, also called modernist architecture or International Style, is a style of building that emphasizes function and a streamlined form over ornamentation. This design aesthetic began in the 1930s as a departure from more elaborate and decorated homes like Queen Anne, Victorian, or Gothic Revival styles. Modern architecture, often seen through the 1970s, usually involves sharp, clean lines.

History of Modern Architecture

The modern movement was long-lived, encompassing several sub-styles spanning nearly 60 years. In this way, it can be tough to pinpoint an exact starting point. To some, the style includes more transitional architecture, like the Art Deco and Arts and Crafts movements. To others, those earlier styles served as inspiration for more "pure," midcentury modern architects.

The birth of modern design came with the premise that form should follow function. This idea started with architect Louis Sullivan who designed buildings for the 1893 Chicago World Fair. That mantra became the foundation for modern architects.

Other popular pioneers of modern architecture include Frank Lloyd Wright, Staatliches Bauhaus, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Le Corbusier. 

The modern design aesthetic was in full swing in the 1930s and became known as International Modernism or International Style. This design aesthetic came after an architecture exhibit by Philip Johnson in 1932.

In general, the most well-known examples of modern architecture end around the mid-20th century, but the design style still influences buildings well into the late 20th century. 

However, as the design period continued, many architects challenged this strict notion of space and lack of decor as cold and impersonal. This evolution brought on more contemporary designs that worked to incorporate ornamentation and color. In a contemporary home, you can have an open-concept floor plan and private spaces. 

Eventually, in the 1960s and 1970s, modern principles such as excess space and the stark nature of building materials became too cold for everyday living and sparked new forms of architecture.

Ideology of Modern Architecture

Modern homes were revolutionary in that they embraced the concept of free-flowing space. The ideology rejected clutter and excess belongings, focusing on these four core tenets:

• Materials: Only innovative materials at the time were to be used in construction, such as glass, steel, and concrete.
• Function: A building should only visually convey its intended use without ornamentation or flourishes.
• Comfort: Open space, natural light, and large windows connect to nature to improve well-being.
• Structural improvements: Intentional structural improvements included raised buildings on pillars for ground floor parking or gathering spaces, horizontal ribbons of windows for better natural lighting, and elimination of load-bearing walls for larger, more flexible spaces.
  

Characteristics of Modern Architecture

Since there are so many styles of modern architecture, there are several defining characteristics. Here are some of the more common, broad key features seen across different forms of modern architecture:

• Clean, minimal lines. These lines lack additional ornamentation and generally have a consistent, smooth texture. 
• Broad roof overhangs. Several modern homes emphasize low, horizontal structures with large roof overhangs.
• Walls of glass and large windows. You will find a very generous use of glass, which allows a significant amount of natural light into the interior. 
• Open and well-defined floorplans. Since modern architecture focuses on form over function, architects sought to include large, spacious floorplans with dining and living spaces that flowed into one another. 
• Modern and traditional building materials. Some common materials in modern homes include steel, concrete blocks, iron, and glass. More conventional building materials like wood, brick, and stone were used only to show off their natural beauty and complement the colors of the exterior.
• A relationship to the outside environment. A lot of thought went into building sites and how buildings would relate to the natural landscape surrounding them. 
• Asymmetrical designs. Modern architects played around with large, smooth shapes and asymmetrical compositions that were cleanly planned and lacked additional decoration.

Types of Modern Architecture

There are several styles of modern architecture in the United States alone. From 1930 through 1970, categories included Expressionist, Constructivist, and Midcentury Modern, to name a few. Here are a few of the most popular types of modern architecture.

Early Modern Architecture

Earlier examples of modern architecture included buildings that showed off their structural forms and building materials, such as metal framing, steel, or concrete. There was still some use for ornamentation and beauty but for a purpose. For instance, Frank Lloyd Wright incorporated art glass windows into buildings so that no additional artwork was needed.

Midcentury Modern

By the mid-to late-1940s, modern architecture evolved towards a look that felt more human. Midcentury modern architecture was still minimal and functional but introduced warm and organic materials, including wood, large swaths of glass to let natural light in, and spacious open floor plans.

Postmodern

A backlash to the minimalist, sleek styling of modern architecture began in the 1970s, postmodern architecture echoed the pre-modern architecture styles which felt colorful, vibrant, ornate, and decorative. Ornamentation was reintroduced, and its eclectic lines continue today.

Famous Examples of Modern Architecture 

There are stunning examples of modern architecture still standing in pristine condition across the country, and many are open to the general public for tours. Here are a few examples of buildings designed by modern architects:

• Eames House by Charles and Ray Eames
• Glass House by Philip Johnson
• Falling Water by Frank Lloyd Wright
• Farnsworth House by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
• Barcelona Pavilion by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
• Seagram Building by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson

Modern vs. Contemporary Architecture

Modern and contemporary architectural styles are different though many view them as the same. Modern architecture was inspired by an art movement known as modernism and lasted until around 1960. Contemporary architecture incorporates diverse styles of architecture from the 1960s and into today.