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When you think of modern architecture, you might imagine sleek, new buildings. However, the movement that has shaped our skylines and inspired countless designers dates back to the 1930s. Modern architecture, with its roots in the transformative period between the 1930s and 1960s, remains a beacon of stylish simplicity and functional design today.

What is Modern Architecture?

Imagine clean lines, open floor plans, and lots of natural light flooding in. Picture buildings that seem to effortlessly blend into their surroundings, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors. That’s the modernist mindset in a nutshell.

Modern architects were not just designing buildings; they were envisioning solutions to social inequalities, believing that well-designed spaces could uplift communities. This philosophy led to the creation of structures that were not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional and accessible.

The Genesis of Modern Architecture

The birth of modern architecture is often credited to European visionaries like Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier and German-American architect Walter Gropius. Gropius, the founder of the Bauhaus school in Germany, played a crucial role in shaping the design principles that would define modern architecture. Another significant figure, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, also taught at the Bauhaus and became its final director, further cementing the school’s influence on the movement.

Le Corbusier’s Villa Savoye, photo from LStrike.

Walter Gropius’ Bauhaus Building, photo from ResearchGate.

The style crossed the Atlantic in the 1930s, with American architect Philip Johnson championing it in the United States. Johnson’s 1932 exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, “Modern Architecture: International Exhibition,” showcased the sleek, geometric forms and minimal ornamentation that defined modern architecture, coining the terms “international style” and “modern architecture.”

Philip Johnson at MoMA in the early 1930s, photo from Getty Images.

The Five Points of Modern Architecture

Le Corbusier’s manifesto, “Five Points of Architecture,” published in the early 1920s, laid down the foundational principles of modern design:

1. Pilotis: Support structures that lift the building off the ground.
2. Flat Roof Terrace: Utilizing flat roofs as functional outdoor spaces.
3. Open Floor Plan: Eliminating load-bearing walls to create flexible living spaces.
4. Horizontal Windows: Allowing for panoramic views and ample natural light.
5. Free Façade: Designing façades independently from the structural supports.

These principles revolutionized building design, promoting a new way of thinking about space and functionality.

Meet the Modern Masters

Frank Gehry – The Maverick of Modernity

Frank Gehry, photo from Parametric Architecture.

From Toronto, Frank Gehry has redefined architecture with his avant-garde, deconstructivist style. His groundbreaking work in digital technologies has paved the way for the construction industry’s modern practices. His iconic works like the Dancing House and the Walt Disney Concert Hall are celebrated for their unconventional shapes and imaginative forms. Gehry’s designs challenge traditional architectural norms, creating spaces that are as much about art as they are about utility.

Frank Gehry’s Dancing House, photo by thewonderalice.

Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, photo by Anthony Fomin.

Louis Vuitton Foundation, photo belongs to LVMH

Denise Scott Brown – The Unsung Visionary

Denise Scott Brown, photo by Jody Rogac.

Hailing from Nkana, Zambia, Denise Scott Brown has made indelible contributions to Postmodern architecture. Often overshadowed by her husband, Robert Venturi, her work at Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates is crucial in shaping contemporary design. Projects like Franklin Court (an outdoor museum and memorial to Benjamin Franklin sited in Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park) and the Museum of Contemporary Art (San Diego) highlight her innovative approach to blending historical styles with modern needs.

Denise Scott Brown’s Franklin Court, photo by Mark Cohn.

Denise Scott Brown’s Museum of Contemporary Art, photo by Phillipp Scholz Rittermann.

Norman Foster – The High-Tech Titan

Norman Foster, photo by Manolo Yllera.

British architect Norman Foster, from Reddish, is synonymous with High-tech architecture. His futuristic designs, such as the HSBC Building and Apple Park, incorporate cutting-edge materials and technologies. Foster’s work is a testament to how innovation and sustainability can coexist, pushing the boundaries of architectural design. Norman Foster rose to prominence in the early 1970s with his groundbreaking design of the Willis Faber and Dumas headquarters (Ipswich, England). This eco-friendly, open-plan building was considered revolutionary for its time.

The Gherkin. Photograph: Lois GoBe/Alamy

Norman Foster’s HSBC Building, photo from Dezeen.

Norman Foster’s Apple Park, photo from Deborah Berke.

Renzo Piano – The Public Space Maestro

Renzo Piano, photo from Getty Images.

Renzo Piano, from Genoa, is renowned for his public space designs. Known for projects like The Shard (London) and the Whitney Museum of American Art (New York), Piano’s work blends high-tech architecture with postmodern sensibilities. Renzo Piano has always been fascinated with light and its impact on the dynamic potential of built spaces. In 1971, he co-founded the Piano & Rogers Atelier with Richard Rogers. That same year, their London-based studio won the commission for the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris—a bold project that revolutionized the concept of museums into highly flexible structures with fully exposed technical functions. Since then, Piano has become the world’s most sought-after museum architect, renowned for his ability to harmonize buildings with their surroundings and the artworks they house.

Renzo Piano’s The Shard, photo from Structures Insider.

Renzo Piano’s Whitney Museum of American Art, photo by Nic Lehoux.

The Centre Pompidou, Photo by Fernand Ivaldi

Santiago Calatrava – The Artistic Engineer

Santiago Calatrava, photo by Thomas Hoeffgen.

Valencia-born Santiago Calatrava combines engineering precision with artistic flair. His creations, such as the Athens Olympic Sports Complex and the Museum of Tomorrow, are celebrated for their sculptural beauty and structural ingenuity. Santiago Calatrava is renowned not only for his striking neo-futuristic buildings but also asymmetrical bridges that adorn many global locations. Calatrava’s interdisciplinary approach integrates structural engineering, sculpture, painting, ceramics, and architecture, continuing a distinguished tradition in Spanish modernist architecture that traces back to Felix Candela and Antonio Gaudi.

Santiago Calatrava’s Athens Olympic Sports Compelx, photo from REUTERS.

Santiago Calatrava’s Museum of Tomorrow, photo from MEDIUM.

The City of Arts and Science, Valencia. Photo by Calle Montes

The Future of Modern Architecture

Modern architecture continues to evolve, influenced by the pioneering work of these architects and many others. Today’s architects are pushing the boundaries further, integrating advanced technologies and sustainable practices. The core principles of modern architecture—simplicity, functionality, and innovative use of materials—remain as relevant as ever, ensuring that this timeless style will continue to inspire and transform our built environment.

Modern architecture isn’t just a style; it’s a movement that continues to shape the way we live, work, and interact with our surroundings. Whether through the bold designs of Frank Gehry or the sustainable innovations of Norman Foster, the legacy of modern architecture endures, proving that great design is not just about appearance, but about creating spaces that enhance our lives.