Modern - architectural style definition

Modern architectural style is a style characterised primarily by simple and regular forms, a lack of ornamentation and the use of modern building materials. It is significantly different from other architectural styles, such as Baroque, Gothic or Renaissance, where more complex forms and rich ornamentation predominated.

Modern architecture was born in the early 20th century and was a response to changes in society, which increasingly needed new technological and architectural solutions. The style was based on the idea that buildings should be primarily functional rather than ornamental, and was therefore stripped of unnecessary decorative elements.

Modern architecture is also characterised by the use of modern building materials such as glass, concrete, steel and aluminium. These materials have made it possible to create buildings with open, spacious interior spaces and unprecedented lightness of construction.

Modern architecture was also a response to the need to adapt buildings to new technologies, such as air conditioning and artificial lighting. Therefore, modern buildings are often characterised by large, panoramic windows that provide natural interior lighting and views of the surrounding area.

Architectural style Modern, also known as modernism or 20th century architecture, was one of the most important movements in the history of architecture. It was characterised by minimalist forms, functionality, structural expression and the use of modern materials. The style developed mainly in the 1920s and 1930s, and its influence can still be seen today.

Forerunners of the Modern Style

Walter Gropius: Founder of the Bauhaus School and one of the key founders of modern architecture. His idea was to integrate art, craft and technology.

Le Corbusier: Swiss architect who played an important role in the development of modernist architecture. His ideas on urban planning and modern construction had a huge impact on urban development and building design.

The most popular buildings in the Modern style

Villa Savoye - Le Corbusier: This is an iconic modernist villa located near Paris, France. It is characterised by its minimalist form, flat roof, open spaces and use of modern materials.

Seagram Building - Ludwig Mies van der Rohe: This skyscraper in New York exemplifies an elegant and minimalist architectural style. It is characterised by its steel structure, large glass walls and simple form.

Guggenheim Museum - Frank Lloyd Wright: Located in New York, this museum exemplifies a unique architectural form. It is characterised by its spiral shape, organic curves and use of concrete, steel and glass.

Taipei 101 - a 509-metre-high building located in Taipei. It is the tallest building in Taiwan and the second tallest in Asia. It opened in 2004 and was designed by C.Y. Lee & Partners.

Shanghai World Financial Center - a 492-metre-high building located in Shanghai. It is the tallest building in China and the third tallest in the world. It opened in 2008 and was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates.

The Gherkin - a 180-metre high building located in London. It is one of the most recognisable buildings in the city and opened in 2004. It was designed by Foster + Partners.

The Louvre Pyramid - a 21-metre high building located in Paris. It is a glass pyramid that was designed by Ieoh Ming Pei and opened in 1989. The pyramid serves as the main entrance to the Louvre Museum.

The Sydney Opera House - a 67-metre high building located in Sydney. It is one of the most famous buildings in the world and is considered a symbol of Australia. It opened in 1973 and was designed by Dennis Foster.

Pompidou Centre - Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers: This modern cultural complex is located in Paris, France. It is characterised by an outdoor display of technical installations, colourful pipes and expressive forms.

These are just a few examples of the most important buildings in the Modern style. The style has found its way into various architectural contexts around the world and has provided inspiration for many other building projects.