Module 10 : International Style in
Architecture and Design
Lecture 26 : International Style in Architecture
The Cristal Palace (plate 2A) at London is perhaps the first structure that was conceived to build with glass keeping the quality of transparency in the structure. Large amount of glass supported by metal structure was created, which could be the first architectural construction that had shown the future modernist style. It is indeed a remarkable step towards the modernist architectural philosophy. The modernism sprang out of the clarity in the vision based on the followings-
"Form follows function”,
Simplicity and clarity of forms
Visual expression of structure (as opposed to the hiding of structural elements)
The related concept of "Truth to materials"
The use of industrially-produced materials; adoption of the machine aesthetic
The visual emphasis on horizontal and vertical lines
Middle of 20th century witnessed matured architectural design that synthesized curve planes with horizontal and vertical planes (plate 3A- 3C) successfully. It did not hesitate to combine both.
The future modernism has striped the entire veil around the structural elements. Naturally the philosophy of Bauhaus had strong influence on such theme and concepts. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s (plate 2C) multistoried building with ‘skin and bone’ structure had set the trend for the future of urban architectural constructions. Technology development played major role along with the social changes created an environment that could appreciate the new aesthetics. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House in Chicago (plate 2B) shows the dominating horizontal planes and vertical lines. The architectural clarity in Wright’s design undoubtedly introduces new concept of negative and positive spaces and aesthetics. The Gray Hound Bus Station (plate 3A) at Cleveland shows neat clean shape and streamlined aesthetic appeal. Thus, the new age design arrived with the philosophy of simplicity, clarity and truth to material in design.
