More than functional: revisiting modernist architecture

Historically, modernism includes different artistic and architectural movements that did not necessarily start or end in chronological order. At the same time, the term also refers to a specific design language with uniform traits well-known across the globe. The principles of classical modernism emerged at the dawn of the 20th century as a counterpart to historicism – a movement inspired by style trends of the past. Classical modernist architects were turning away from pompous aesthetics, focusing on the functionality of buildings instead.

Early beginnings can be traced back to the English Arts and Crafts movements that gained momentum in the middle of the 19th century. Trends such as Art Nouveau (or “Jugendstil”) around 1900 also played an important role in laying the groundworks. Classical modernism finally took centre stage between 1910 and 1960. This period was marked by various undercurrents in fine arts and architecture:

Early beginnings can be traced back to the English Arts and Crafts movements that gained momentum in the middle of the 19th century. Trends such as Art Nouveau (or “Jugendstil”) around 1900 also played an important role in laying the groundworks. Classical modernism finally took centre stage between 1910 and 1960. This period was marked by various undercurrents in fine arts and architecture:

• expressionism

• New Objectivity and New Building

• Bauhaus

• international style

• functionalism

• brutalism

Expressionism put great emphasis on curved and jagged shapes. Modernist architects, on the other hand, started to highlight the functionality of buildings and cut back on decorative elements. This ”New Objectivity“ (also known as ”New Building“) followed the tenet that architectural design should not be informed by aesthetic ideals. Consequently, steel girders and other components such as supply lines, pipes, and concrete walls were no longer covered or plastered.

New Objectivity also gave way to the Bauhaus style, which focused on clear structures and simple, geometric shapes. Functionalism, another related movement, became particularly prominent during the reconstruction period after World War II. The so-called “international style” also had a significant impact on classical modernist architecture. Originating in Europe during the 1920s, it later gained popularity in the United States. To this day, many office buildings and skyscrapers feature characteristic traits of modernism.

Due to the interplay of so many style trends, modernist building designs may differ in varying degrees. Yet there are some recurring features that follow the same formal and technical approach. Usually, houses are made from materials such as steel, glass, and prestressed concrete. Moreover, modernist architectural theory mainly draws from two doctrines, as articulated by two pioneers preceding this period:

• “Form follows function.” (Louis Sullivan)

• “Less is more.“ (Ludwig Mies van der Rohe)

The focus on simplistic, straight-line structures often leads to the assumption that modernist architecture only allows for strict geometrical shapes. However, expressionist or brutalist variations prove that this style can be much more versatile and experimental. In the following, we will present three examples to illustrate the most distinctive traits of classical modernism.