In the 19th century, there was a revolution in architecture, which was highly influenced by the exotic foreign styles as well as earlier architectural movements. The two factors were adapted to the new technologies of the early modernist architecture age. The prominent figures of the architectural movements came up with the idea of modernism to mitigate social problems that urban population who were living in poverty and slum clearance had. However, some of the modernist planning did not cater and reflect the social dynamics of the large community. As a result, in the seventies, many modernist buildings were pulled down due to large-scale failure (Rowe, Par. 1). The paper shall illustrate how the principles of modernism in architecture leveled the prior hierarchy of the arts as well as placing crafts on the same level with fine arts. Additionally, the article will show how actual works, which are good examples of modernist architecture embrace and adhere to the principles such as: (1) advocating notions of functionality; (2) a rejection of nineteenth-century historicism; (3) a rejection of decorative ornament; and (4) a willingness to use new materials, especially steel, glass and concrete (Rowe, Par. 2).
The advent of the Bauhaus brings up an essential influence on the modernism in architecture. The school ensured and enhanced on teaching and understanding art's relationship to society and technology. The students at the school, taught by Walter Gropius, were taught purity of form as well as to design a better world. Some of the anti-modernists would argue that the modern buildings in the cities are boring because they have no interesting or decoration features. However, the primary aim of the modernist architecture was to integrate the principles that enhanced on the past designs and architectural practices (Cosgrove 60).
For instance, ‘form follows function' is a phrase that mostly used when discussing one of the modernist principles. It stresses that forms should be simplified this means that the architectural designs do not have ornaments that are not necessary to its function. Moreover, modernists should consider ornaments that correspond with the structure as well as the purpose of the building (Rowe, Par. 2). For example, in Dessau, Germany, Bauhaus building builds in the year between 1919 and 1925 became a landmark in modern, functionalist design. Though the design of the building seems strongly fused from above, each element is clearly separated from the other, and on the ground, it explains a wonderful sequence of changing views.
Bauhaus building entails of a steel framework, an asphalt-tiled roof, and reinforced concrete bricks that have a function of reducing noise as well as giving protection against weather. Additionally, the building has a glass curtain wall this is an element that would come to be a characteristic of a modernist architecture (Rowe, Par. 3). The glass curtain allows sufficient quantities of light to offer good illumination in the building. The building has three wings that are arranged asymmetrically to connect different dormitories and workshops.
In the modernist architecture, willingness to use new materials emerged because of new industrial needs. For instance, in buildings with new forms such as warehouses, factories, hospitals, railway terminals and administrative centers willingness to use new materials was demanded. In the mid-19th century, cast iron was commonly used structurally in a large building such as libraries and warehouses. For instance, the Crystal Palace, a building that was designed in London by Joseph Paxton for the 1851 International Exhibition is a worldwide publicity building that is a spectacular example that used glass and cast iron.
According to Cosgrove, modernist architecture such as HASSELL (a multidisciplinary architectural design) contributed significantly to the development of contemporary architecture in Australia. Cosgrove asserts that despite that there has been a disagreement on the development of theories of modernism, a fundamental of common ideas is evident in the modern architectures. Similar to the case of the HASSELL, modern architects have evidently rejected the historical styles of the nineteenth century and held that building that is designed to fulfill its functions has its own aesthetic appeal. As illustrated above, they are adhering to the principles developed by Sullivan and Wright suggesting, " architecture should be confined to the basic elements, should be suited to its function and climate, and should have an association with its site" (Cosgrove 61). Here, Sullivan and Wright were advocating on the notions of the functionality.
One of the great examples of the modernist design in South Australia is the McConnell's Deepacres Apartments build between 1939 and 1942. Despite the many residential building in the Melbourne Street, North Adelaide, McConnell did not refer to the historical design and instead used the free hand design generated by his client. Such approach " has been described as exemplary in its forthright and uncompromising approach to modern design principles" (Cosgrove 65). It is, therefore, apparent that the modernist architectures have been recognizing and utilizing the principles of the modern architecture.
The Deepacres Apartments also illustrates the notions of functionality and the willingness to use materials such as steel, glass, and concrete. Walter Gropius in "The New Architecture and the Bauhaus" explains that these new synthetic substances are dynamically overriding the traditional raw materials. He explained that these materials are rigid and have molecular density, which enhanced construction of a wide-spanned and transparent structure, a skill that was inadequate in the previous ages (Cosgrove 61). With this perspective, McConnell integrated this skill in the Deepacres Apartments by using these synthetic materials. McConnell's work of the modern architecture has influenced many other architectural designs in the region such as Russel Ellis at Springfield. In the contemporary world, architects are heavily using the synthetic substances that achieve the functions of the structure as well as beauty concept.
McConnell and Hassell approach to the modernist architecture developed a reputation in the Australia and most countries in Europe. For instance, a senior architecture lecturer at the University of Adelaide, Albert Gillissen was impressed by the modernism principles utilized by McConnell. According to McConnell, "Learn from others but think for yourself; simplicity is the keynote of beauty; composition distinguishes architecture from building, as it does music from sound" (Cosgrove 66). This implies that the modernism architecture comprises of the basic principles that align to functionality, rejection of decorative ornament, and use of the new raw materials. However, McConnell was quoted saying that he believes in modern architecture rather than the ‘modernist' architecture because is grounded on common sense and cautious assessment of the functional requirements (Cosgrove 66). An example of other structures that resembles the modernist architecture include interstate offices, commercial buildings, and education buildings.
The principles of modernism in architecture have helped the modern architects to solve design problems that were there before the 19th century to build urban utopias. The principles of modernism have also enhanced leveling of the prior hierarchy of the arts as well as placing crafts on the same level with fine arts. It is clear that McConnell and Hassell's approach provides a clear illustration of the functional modernist approach that rejects the historical designs in the architecture. The examples expounded on the Modernist architectural structures represents the political, social and economic period in which they were constructed and functionalities that were ranging from educational to commercial. Despite that there has been disagreement on the development of theories of modernism, the examples outlined above illustrates that works of the modernist architecture are likely to adhere to the four principles of modernism.
Works Cited
Cosgrove, Caroline. "Rethinking Modern Architecture: HASSELL's Contribution to the Transformation of Adelaide's Twentieth Century Urban Landscape." Flinders Journal of History and Politics 27 (2011): 56.
Rowe, Hayley A. "The Rise and fall of Modernist Architecture." Student Pulse 3.04 (2011).
