Blog 6:

Modernism

Some of the commonly used characteristics of this style emerged from 'art' which was converted into architecture and product designs. Modernism is a simple use of ideas and methods which was taken from the past and used  in the everyday life. 

The beginning of the 20th century was an influx of designs that was lacking ornamental style since they wanted to eliminate all kinds of added structures which where useless and not needed for the function. Their only main concern was to have clean and aesthetic materials in their designs. 

Clapboard Siding 

A great emphasis on geometric forms which made use of horizontal and vertical lines. these lines where converted into large boxes and rectangular shapes which eventually made a house. A house which also had flat low roofs. In Malta this type of architecture is visable throughout and can be seen through different styles as well as it emerged and left great impact on them. Along with new was of building structures, technology advanced and made use of different or 'new' materials which were good to incorporate them in the design materials. Some of the materials used where the wood, bricks and stone, all of them where very simple in shape and obviously reflected modern architecture. What was very common at that time was the clapboard siding on the outside of the building which was considered as decoration and was later abolished from modern houses and replaced with vertical board cladding. 

The need of having natural materials was increasing. For example wood stain was often used and it expressed the natural effects of the wood grain it self. If the wood have been painted on with solid colour than it would have eliminated completely the natural feeling of the wood it self. 

Modernism is a style which renovated every movement and made it look as if the simple was the best way to work around. Another characteristic which was used and it is still used now more than ever is the relationship between the interior space and the outside space. In basic words: bringing the outside in and vice versa. This was possible by introducing the use of glass. By using this material it made use of the natural light that passes through. Normally they would be floor to ceiling windows and are incorporated in more than one side of the wall. Having multiple walls converted into large windows. Also the best modern houses and homes were made efficient in the use of natural lighting and material. 

Wall to Ceiling Windows

Related to this style is my design development (Model Making) of a modern so to say office which is situated in New York City, top part of a skyscraper and makes use of these characteristics found in the modern style. 

Inside of the office which is still under construction

The floor to ceiling windows

Plan view of the office

Le Corbusier 

A very famous architect from the modern style is Le Corbusier. His is a Swiss born French and is best known with his reinforced concrete and steel. He loved to word with geometric shapes and elements and the contrast between the collective shapes he used to make with the individual compartment made the style even more unique. 

In Le Corbusier buildings most of the elements seen are the open interior space and the relationship of exterior and the interior. His very famous saying which is: 'The house is a machine of living' so now the design takes innovative qualities which are more convenient to the user. 

A great symbolic example from the works he did around the world is the Villa Sovoye which is located in France situated on the outer side of Paris. The building was finished in 1929 and was considered as on of the most modern architectural reference in the 20th century. This house had a huge turning point for Le Corbusier and also for the principles of the International style. This basic design led to be contextually integrated into the mechanistic industrial context at that period of time. 

Reference: 

Merriam-webster.com. (2016). Definition of MODERNISM. [online] Available at: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modernism [Accessed 18 May 2016].

A2modern.org. (2016). What is modern: characteristics of modern architecture – a2 modern | modern architecture in the midwest | ann arbor modern | michigan modern | modern architecture in ann arbor. [online] Available at: http://a2modern.org/2011/04/characteristics-of-modern-architecture/ [Accessed 18 May 2016].

Biography.com. (2016). [online] Available at: http://www.biography.com/people/le-corbusier-9376609 [Accessed 18 May 2016].

ArchDaily. (2010). AD Classics: Villa Savoye / Le Corbusier. [online] Available at: http://www.archdaily.com/84524/ad-classics-villa-savoye-le-corbusier [Accessed 18 May 2016].