Written By: Sofie Liu
introduction
What is architecture? This is a question that seems to have a simple answer, however, it actually conveys countless levels of meaning to numerous unique observers over an indefinite number of years.
This question has led to endless debates that examined the qualities that describe buildings as “architecture”. Nikolaus Pevsner, a German-British art historian, famously declared that “A bicycle shed is a building; Lincoln Cathedral is a piece of architecture,” assuming that human habitation is a characteristic of all buildings. Cathedrals demonstrate a ‘procession of space’; as you enter into the building, you experience the spatial connection between one space and another. Therefore, However, architecture transcends buildings because of its aesthetic aspirations.
Let’s rewind and go back in time to explore the different eras of architecture!
Modernism
Modernism was an important style and design of the 20th century. It was associated with a deeper understanding on the function of buildings, a strictly rational use of materials, embracing minimalism. This style became characterized by an emphasis on volume, asymmetrical compositions, and minimal ornaments. For example, the Villa Savoye, designed by the Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier and his cousin Pierre Jeanneret.
Modernity
The Industrial Revolution played a major role in influencing architecture in 1760 England. It provoked enormous changes in the level of civilization throughout the world. The increase in use of industrial building materials such as cast iron, steel and glass,allowed architects and engineers to reorder the construction procedures, functions, scale and form due to the impact of the industrial revolution.
For instance, the Eiffel Tower at Paris is known for its innovative utilization of iron. It was built for the exhibition in Paris in 1889 as a dramatic demonstration by the French of their mastery of upcoming construction technology.
Modern
The term “Modern architecture” describes architecture designed and built within the social, artistic, and cultural attitude known as Modernism. It emphasized the act of experimentation, the rejection of predetermined “rules,” and freedom of expression in art, literature, architecture, and music.
Modern architecture attempted to solve a practical problem: a boom in the urban population, specifically due to immigration and new industries drawing people from rural areas to cities. There was an urgent need for new offices, factories, and housing.
Over the years, Modern architecture spread around the world and expanded to include regional adaptations, which met local needs and design sensibilities. Consequently, Modern architects also explored how materials could influence design.
Postmodernism
As the prefix implies, postmodernism is a historical turning point, demonstrating researchers' willingness to identify this new period based on the rejection of the previous movements. Postmodernism arose as an alternative to modernism in the 1960s.
Postmodernism promotes an architecture filled with signs and symbols that may transmit cultural values as a reaction against the austerity, formality, and lack of variation of modern architecture, particularly in the international style advocated by Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe.
Lastly, Postmodernism is a reaction to homogeneity and tediousness by appreciating variety and aiming to create structures that are responsive to their surroundings.
Conclusion
To summarise, these movements represent just a fraction of architectural history, each reflecting the social, cultural, and technological influences of their time. Architecture continues to evolve, incorporating new ideas, technologies, and cultural contexts.
Comments