Lecture 1

The Idea of Modern Architecture

Theories of Modern Architecture
Theories of Modern Architecture
Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

What?
Modern Architecture is a broad term given to a number of building styles
with similar characteristics, primarily the simplification of form and the
elimination of ornament, that first arose around 1900.

By the 1940s these styles had been consolidated and identified as the
International Style and became the dominant way of building for several
decades in the twentieth century.
Theories of Modern Architecture
Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

When?
Origins of Modern Architecture are still open to interpretation and debate.

Modern Architecture as primarily driven by technological and engineering

developments, and it is plainly true that the availability of new materials
such as iron, steel, concrete and glass drove the invention of new building
techniques as part of the Industrial Revolution.

Other historians regard modernism as a matter of taste, a reaction against

eclecticism and the lavish stylistic excesses of Art Nouveau.
Theories of Modern Architecture
Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

For follows fu tio – first used by sculptor Horatio Greenough, more

popularly by Louis Sullivan.

Less is ore – Mies van der Rohe

Less is more only when more is too u h – Frank Lloyd Wright

Less is a ore – Robert Venturi, pioneer of postmodern architecture; in

response to the featureless International Style popularized by Mies van
der Rohe
Theories of Modern Architecture
Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Why?
1. Loss of confidence in the
Renaissance tradition.
- Growth of an empiricist attitude that
undermine the idealistic structures of
renaissance architects.
- Loss of absolute authority of
Renaissance norms.
- Need for new traditions that do not
have historical reference.
The Architects Dream by Thomas Cole
Theories of Modern Architecture
Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Why?
2. Industrial Revolution.
- Provided new methods of construction (e.g. iron).
- Suggested new forms and new types of buildings: railway stations,
suburban houses, skyscrapers.
- Split between engineering and architecture (engineering is considered
more innovative).
- Standardization and mechanization instead of vernacular traditions, arts
and crafts.
- Creating new economic and structures of power (move from church
patronage, aristocratic, the state of middle classes).
Theories of Modern Architecture
Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Why?
3. Change city composition (because of
infrastructure of railways and steam lines)
- Old relations and hierarchies in the city
were exploded through the impact of routes
of circulation and increase in size and scale. Model of Imperial Rome
- Changed concept of place (based upon
principle of free-standing objects
surrounded by spaces, rather than plazas
surrounded by buildings).

Le Corbusier plan vision for Paris

Theories of Modern Architecture
Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Modern Architecture is usually characterized by:

1. Rejection of historical styles as a source of architectural form

(historicism).
2. An adoption of the principle that the materials and functional
requirements determine the result.
3. An adoption of the machine aesthetics.
4. A rejection of ornament.
5. A simplification of form and elimination of unnecessary details.
6. An adoption of expressed structure.
Theories of Modern Architecture
Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

But, what is the nature of Moder Ar hite ture ???

Modern style: a dire t expression of function and structure

Violet le duc: - Rationalist
- Principles: Create forms that are true to the program and
to the methods of construction (Entretiens sur l ar hit ture, 1863-72)
In architecture there are two necessary ways of being true. It must be true
according to the program and true according to the methods of construction. To
be true according to the program is to fulfill, exactly and simply, the condition
imposed by need; to be true according to methods of construction is to employ the
materials according to their qualities and properties… purely artistic questions of
symmetry and apparent form are only secondary conditions in the presence of our
dominant principles (translated as Discourses on Architecture 1877-81)

Modern style should emerge on the basis of new constructional

materials
Theories of Modern Architecture
Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

But, how to achieve that ???

what should this modern architecture look like?

From where should its forms be derived?

Tradition Nature
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Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

New Style

No absolute rejection of tradition Romanticism: Reference to nature

Different styles and period might rest upon the same typological pattern and
share a common root

Schinkel Altes Museum Le Corbusier Parliament

1842-8 Building1951-63

Different in function, material and style. Similar in basic idea: portico and dome
Theories of Modern Architecture
Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

New Style

No absolute rejection of tradition Romanticism: Reference to nature

- Ruskin
- Le Corbusier
- Alvar Aalto
- Frank Lloyd Wright

Nature, rather tha the a hi e should serve as the odel for ar hite ture
Aalto

But ot or a e tatio … pla t for s

Natural phenomenon might
1. Provide analogies and metaphors in design;
2. Serve as the basis for abstractions and conventionalism of form;
3. Yield general principles for guiding technology, architecture and urbanism
Theories of Modern Architecture
Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Yet realization of forms occurred within

the calculations and mechanisms of the
industrial cities
Theories of Modern Architecture
Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

1. Mechanization of the city

1. Cities became hubs of new
railways or steamship routes.
Theories of Modern Architecture
Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

2. Influencing the state of spaces and form

Cut the city into pieces: demolishing old boundaries between urban and
rural worlds.
New urban space: challenge the size, shape and relationships of buildings
in the cityscape.
New city image: industrial factories (buildings for trade and business)
towered above public buildings of civic or religious importance.
Theories of Modern Architecture
Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

City is like a machine

Rea tio to the Ma hi e i age

Supporters Opponents
- Instrument of progress - Destroyer because it raped
- Generating wealth nature
- Creating new culture based - Obliterated identity and
upon science and rationality region
- Enslaved working classes
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Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

2. Influencing the state of spaces and form

North American Town
Was laid out following rectilinear system - Standard module of space

Bird eye view of business

district of Chicago
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Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

3. Introduction of materials like iron, glass and steel

Viollet-le-Duc, French architect
1814-1879
His architectural theories:
1. Finding the ideal forms for specific materials, and
using them to create buildings;
2. Outward appearance of a building should reflect
the rational construction of building;
3. Looked at organic structures, such as leaves and
animal skeletons, for inspirations;
4. Especially interested in the wings of bats
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Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Design for concert

hall, dated 1864.
expressing Gothic
structural
principles in stone,
brick and cast iron.

Viollet-le-Duc,
stone work and
cast iron, from
Entretiens sur
I 'Architecture,
second series,
1872)
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Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

3. Introduction of materials like iron, glass and steel

- Allowed wide spans and large areas of glass;
- Dissolved away mass and open up space;
- Reduced supporters from columns or piers to slender stanchions;
- Allowed girders to be made from standard flats and small fillets welded;
- Encouraged the invention of new structural systems in bridges and towers

The Crystal Palace

1850 -1,
Joseph Paxton
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Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Sir Joseph Paxton, first study for the Crystal Palace, 1850
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Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Rolled iron girder used in

- Railways
- Iron bridges of huge spans
- Stations and sheds
- Frames of skyscrapers
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Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Skeleton Construction
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Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Henri Labrouste, Bibliotheque Sainte Genevieve, Paris 1843-50

 Theories of Modern Architecture
Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

In the US – skyscraper Buildings:

- Cheap, utilitarian buildings
- Quick to construct
- Flexible in use
- Fireproof

The Home
Insurance
Building in
Chicago, Illinois
William Jenney
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Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Modern architects with ancient sense:

encompass the energy of railways age while returning to
traditional principle.

Henry Richardson Louis Sullivan

- Students of the Beaux Art
- Richardson Romanesque

New Old
Industrial civilization with Classical surfaces, romantic
Steel structure, rising city ornamental patterns and
celebrated silhouettes, crafts
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Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Marshall Field Wholesale Store, Richardson, Auditorium Building in Chicago, Sullivan,

1885-1887, Chicago 1886-1889
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Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Break free of masonry traditions move towards delicate transparency and

reflective planes.

Burnham & Root, main designer – Charles Atwood, Reliance Building, Chicago, 1890-4
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Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Design depends on:

- Lightness
- Maximum provision of light
- Increase in office space (using bays)

Monadnock Building
Theories of Modern Architecture
Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Dile a of Old & New i Europe also …

Art Nouveaux
1893-1905
Theories of Modern Architecture
Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Art Nouveau
- The first stage of modern architecture in
Europe;
- Rejection of historicism, with reference
to tradition;
- Reaction against Beaux-Arts classicism
widely practiced in 1870s and 1880s.

Beaux Art
- Neoclassical architectural style that was
taught at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts
Theories of Modern Architecture
Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Beaux Art
- Flat roof
- Rusticated and raised first story:
Hierarchy of spaces, from o le spa es
– grand entrances and staircases – to
utilitarian ones
- Arched windows
- Arched and pedimented doors
- Classical details: referred to a synthesis
of historicist styles and a tendency to
eclecticism, fluently in a number of
Palais Garnier, 1975, is a corner
a ers
piece of Beaux Arts
- Symmetry
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Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Beaux Art
- Statuary: sculpture (bas-relief panels, figural
sculptures, sculptural groups), murals,
mosaics, and other artwork, all coordinated
themed to assert the identity of the building.
- Classical architectural details: balustrades,
pilasters, garlands, cartouch, with a prominent
display of richly detailed clasps (agrafes)
brackets and supporting consoles.
- Subtle polychromy

Decorate keystones on the San Francisco City Hall

Theories of Modern Architecture
Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Art Nouveau
- Focused on Lightness and airiness permitted by
glass and metal construction.
- Drawing inspirations from nature.

1. Victor Horta, Belgian, 1861-47

Hotel Tassel, Brussels, 1892-3
Outstanding for its:
1. Synthesis of architecture & decorative arts
2. Declaration of new formal principles –
inspiration of nature
3. Direct use of modern material structure

Victor Horta, Hotel Tassel, Brussels, 1892-3

Theories of Modern Architecture
Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Victor Horta, Masion du peuple, Brussels, 1896-9, auditorium

Theories of Modern Architecture
Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Iron and steel were used and allowed delicate screens and large plates of
glass, providing forward looking image of new building type.

Equivalent
in Chicago

Carson Pirie Scott Store, Louis Sullivan, 1899 Ll ovatio Department Store, Horta, 1901
Theories of Modern Architecture
Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Art Nouveau
2. Antonio Gaudi
- Spanish architect who belonged to the Modernist
style (Art Nouveau)
- His first works were designed in the style of gothic
architecture
- Famous for his unique and highly individualistic
designs
- Break with the bonds of the past to be a new style
- Contrive highly original designs irregular and
fantastically intricate
- Influenced by Viollet Le Duc – read his book
- Experiment new martials and new shapes
Theories of Modern Architecture
Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Gaudi was inspired by the natural tight relationship between

Shape and structure - decoration and function

Tree-column
of Crypte
Guell

Guell crypt at the time of its construction, 1911

Theories of Modern Architecture
Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Crypt Guell
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Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Casa Mila La Padrera , 1908-1912

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Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Casa Mila

Bow
window
with
bone-like
pillars

The roof tiles recall scales of fish

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Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

The walls become a skin made of ceramics

Casa Mila
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Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Sagrada Familia, Gaudi, Barcelona, 1883-1926

Theories of Modern Architecture
Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Sagrada Familia, Gaudi, Barcelona, 1883-1926

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Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Sagrada Familia, Gaudi, Barcelona, 1883-1926

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Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Parque Guell, Gaudi, Barcelona, 1900-1914

Theories of Modern Architecture
Lecture 1. The Idea of Modern Architecture

Art Nouveau was more than a mere style. It was a way of thinking about
modern society and new production methods.
Advocated the use of highly stylized organic forms as a source of inspiration,
expanding the atural repertoire (stock) to embrace seaweed, grasses and
insects.

Art Nouveau had its deepest influence on a variety of art and design
movements:
- De Stijl, a Dutch design movement in the 1920s
- German Bauhaus School in the 1920s and 1930s