Modern Architecture

What is Modern Architecture?

• New architectural style that emerged in many Western countries in the decade after World War I.

• Is an attempt to interprets one’s purpose through building in a style independent of fix symmetries.

• It was based on the "rational" use of modern materials, the principles of functionalist planning, and the rejection of historical precedent and ornament.

Common themes of modern architecture include:• The notion that "Form follows function", a dictum originally expressed by Frank

Lloyd Wright's early mentor Louis Sullivan, meaning that the result of design should derive directly from its purpose

• Simplicity and clarity of forms and elimination of "unnecessary detail"• Materials at 90 degrees to each other• Visual expression of structure (as opposed to the hiding of structural elements)• The related concept of "Truth to materials", meaning that the true nature or

natural appearance of a material ought to be seen rather than concealed or altered to represent something else

• Use of industrially-produced materials; adoption of the machine aesthetic• Particularly in International Style modernism, a visual emphasis on horizontal

and vertical lines

Materials commonly used• Prestressed steel in tension• High-pressure concrete• Glass block• Wood• Metal• Chromium• Plastics • Copper• Cork • Steel• Gypsum lumber • Real and artificial stone• Synthetic and compressed materials• Versatile plywood

Charecterestics…

Strength is no longer synonymous with massiveness, for more efficient new structural materials are used in vary forms, scientifically calculated to avoid waste.

The supporting function is created my light, cage like skeleton of steel and reinforced concrete, which is faster and easier to build

Reinforce concrete is made by pouring concrete over steel rods laid in temporary wooden moulds.

Examples…

Architect Adrian SmithDeveloper Emaar PropertiesStructural engineer Bill Baker at SOM

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City (1959), interior, by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Absolute WorldBURKA ARCHITECTS, MAD STUDIO2010MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO914,930 SQ FT

BMW WeltCOOP HIMMELB(L)AU2007MUNICH, GERMANY785,765 SQ FT

The City of Arts and SciencesSANTIAGO CALATRAVA AND FELIX CANDELA2005VALENCIA, SPAIN3,767,369 SQ FT

Disney Concert HallFRANK GEHRY2003LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA2,265 PEOPLE

National Center of the Performing ArtsPAUL ANDREU2007BEIJING, CHINA2,361,600 SQ FT

Museum of Islamic ArtI. M. PEI2008DOHA, QATAR484,376 SQ FT

Thanks…