Modern Architecture
Modern architecture has something for everyone. The fundamentals of modern architecture are clean and simple. Its ever-present philosophy abides to the ideal that form follows function. Therefore, modern architects express themselves through simplicity, clear views of structural elements and by eschewing unnecessary design details.
Modern architecture boasts the actual structure and materials used in the building vs. covering them up with ornate designs. That is why most modern designs feature elements of wood, steel and glass, in order to show-off these industrial structural materials.
Modern architecture boasts the actual structure and materials used in the building vs. covering them up with ornate designs. That is why most modern designs feature elements of wood, steel and glass, in order to show-off these industrial structural materials.
10 Attributes That Define Modern Architecture
1.- Inspired by Function
Modern architecture breaks away from cookie-cutter design and traditional aesthetics. It strives to create home designs that go beyond “standard” ideas and instead pursue projects inspired by layout, location, and function. Frank Lloyd Wright’s mentor, Louis Sullivan famously stated that, “Form follows function”. This idea is expressed by Modernisms’ tendency to have land or the function of a project dictate much of the design ideas.
Modern architecture breaks away from cookie-cutter design and traditional aesthetics. It strives to create home designs that go beyond “standard” ideas and instead pursue projects inspired by layout, location, and function. Frank Lloyd Wright’s mentor, Louis Sullivan famously stated that, “Form follows function”. This idea is expressed by Modernisms’ tendency to have land or the function of a project dictate much of the design ideas.
2.- Simplicity in Form and Design
Modern architecture is typically free of clutter and unnecessary elements. The goals of the project are clarified at the start, and only the features that are required are included in the design. The focus will be on the space itself, rather than on any decor or details not relevant to the overall design.
Modern architecture is typically free of clutter and unnecessary elements. The goals of the project are clarified at the start, and only the features that are required are included in the design. The focus will be on the space itself, rather than on any decor or details not relevant to the overall design.
3.- Nothing to Hide
Rather than concealing the nature of the home, Modern style wants the viewer to see the inner-workings and the true nature of the project. Materials are shown in the natural form and are showcased. Nothing is hidden or altered to look like something else. Structural elements are revealed to show the structure and supports. Exposed beams, open floor plans, and structural elements are exposed to the viewer. The idea of a sense of “Truth” is present in the home, where all materials and architectural elements are bare and revealed honestly.
4.- Love of all things Linear
Modern architects love lines; in many Modern designs, you will find strong linear elements and bold horizontal and vertical features. Beams, posts, cutouts, windows, staircases, fireplaces, roof lines, and other structural elements all assist the architect in creating a linear-inspired space. This focus is much more prominent in Modern design and is less important in other, more traditional, building styles.
Modern architects love lines; in many Modern designs, you will find strong linear elements and bold horizontal and vertical features. Beams, posts, cutouts, windows, staircases, fireplaces, roof lines, and other structural elements all assist the architect in creating a linear-inspired space. This focus is much more prominent in Modern design and is less important in other, more traditional, building styles.
5.- Bold Roof Lines
Varying lines and elongated vaulted ceilings, as well as interesting overhangs or unusual linear elements are mixed to create a a more unique statement. This focus on the exterior design in one of the highlighting feature of Modern design. The house exists as more than simply a home - it is an artistic and sculptural statement.
6.- Windows as Design
Many mid-century homes use windows extensively to bring in light. These homes often feature floor-to-ceiling windows and lots of sliding doors.
Many mid-century homes use windows extensively to bring in light. These homes often feature floor-to-ceiling windows and lots of sliding doors.
7.- Creative Open Floor Plans
Most include an open living, dining, kitchen area, often accented with a fireplace as a kind of gathering point. Prominent features of modern architecture include open interior floor plans with fewer walls.
Most include an open living, dining, kitchen area, often accented with a fireplace as a kind of gathering point. Prominent features of modern architecture include open interior floor plans with fewer walls.
8.- Post and Beam Architecture
Instead of interior walls functioning as support walls, they serve more as room dividers or for appearance. In many homes, extend from the floor to just below the ceiling, separating rooms while allowing them to share light.
Instead of interior walls functioning as support walls, they serve more as room dividers or for appearance. In many homes, extend from the floor to just below the ceiling, separating rooms while allowing them to share light.
9.- Revamped Outdoor Space
Multiple rooms open onto a large patio or atrium, designed to extend square footage and blur distinctions between the indoors and outdoors exterior building materials of glass and steel. Modern architecture almost always incorporates the topography of the land it is built on within the home's design. An excellent example of this is Fallingwater. Other designs seamlessly connect the interior with the exterior through glass walls.
Multiple rooms open onto a large patio or atrium, designed to extend square footage and blur distinctions between the indoors and outdoors exterior building materials of glass and steel. Modern architecture almost always incorporates the topography of the land it is built on within the home's design. An excellent example of this is Fallingwater. Other designs seamlessly connect the interior with the exterior through glass walls.
10.- Focus on Materials
Many mid-century modern homes blended established materials such as wood and brick with then-newer materials such as man-made floorings. They also incorporated new technologies such as radiant floor heat and building techniques such as construction atop slab concrete foundations.
