Modernism - architectural style definition

Modernism, also known as architectural modernism, is an architectural style that emerged in the 20th century and played an important role in the evolution of modern architecture. The style focuses on functionality, simplicity of form and a move away from the ornate detailing characteristic of earlier architectural styles.

Modernism ushered in a new era in architecture, which was premised on the idea that buildings should first and foremost be useful and fulfil their function, rather than simply being an ornament to a space. For this reason, modernist buildings are often simple and economical in form, and their facades are plain and without ornamentation.

One of the most famous examples of modernism is the Seagram Building in New York, designed by architects Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson. This building is characterised by its cuboidal body, smooth facades of shiny copper and glass and lack of decorative elements.

Another important example of modernism is the University of Stuttgart building, designed by architect Max Bill. This building is characterised by its simple massing and geometric forms, as well as a lack of decorative elements.

Modernism was also an important style in Europe, where it contributed to buildings such as the Museum of Modern Art in Paris and Selfridges Department Store in London.

Precursors of modernism

Peter Behrens: German architect, designer and theoretician, considered one of the main precursors of modernism. Among other things, he worked for AEG, for whom he designed the Turbine Factory in Berlin between 1908 and 1909.

Walter Gropius: Founder of the famous Bauhaus school, which played a significant role in developing the idea of modernism. Gropius was also an architect himself and designed, among other things, the Bauhaus school in Dessau (1925-1926).

Le Corbusier: Swiss-French architect, urban planner and theoretician, known for his revolutionary modernist concepts. His works include the Villa Savoye in Paris (1929-1931) and the Unité d'Habitation in Marseille (1947-1952).

The most popular buildings of modernism

Villa Savoye - Le Corbusier: Located in Poissy, France, it is one of the most famous examples of modernist architecture. It is a residential building designed in 1929 and is notable for its minimalist forms, open spaces and elevated pilotis.

Farnsworth House - Ludwig Mies van der Rohe: Located in Plano, Illinois, USA, it is an icon of modernism. Built in 1951, this house is characterised by its glazed walls, minimalist form and harmonious connection to the surrounding nature.

Casa Milà (La Pedrera) - Antoni Gaudí: Although Gaudí is better known for his modernist style known as Catalan modernism, his works influenced the development of modernism. Casa Milà in Barcelona, Spain, built between 1906 and 1912, is an example of organic architecture applied within modernism.

Seagram Building - Ludwig Mies van der Rohe: Located in New York, it is one of the most important examples of modernism in skyscraper architecture. This 1958 office building is distinguished by its steel and glass facade, perpendicular lines and minimalist design.

Unité d'Habitation - Le Corbusier: Designed by Le Corbusier as an experiment in urban planning, this is a residential building in Marseille, France, built between 1947 and 1952. This building introduced innovative residential concepts such as the 'house in the garden' and the 'pillar box'.

These examples represent only a small fraction of modernist buildings, but they illustrate well the diversity and influence of this architectural style on the townscape and the development of architecture in the 20th century.