Modernism Basics

Legendary architect and product designer Michael Graves once said? (1)

"The future is rooted in the past because we are looking backward and forward."

When was Modernist origins traced to? (1)

1900-1960s

How many case study homes were built in in Los Angeles?

36

Modernism Characteristics

Arising out of the rebellious mood at the beginning of the twentieth century, modernism was a radical approach that yearned to revitalize the way modern civilization viewed life, art, politics, and science

Roughly how many still stand today?

Around 20 (Jan 2020 count)

5 pillars of ideology and design; Form Follows Function: (2)

As a result, Modern architecture tends towards minimalism: clean lines, carefully balanced composition, exposed building materials, and a lack of adornment or reference to historical architecture styles. "It needs to serve [its purpose] if it's a bus station or if it's a school or if it's a library. It shouldn't look like an Italian palazzo," said McCoy. "So its functionality is key."

When buying, consider comfort level: (1)

As you walk through the rooms and spaces of a home, notice your comfort level. Pay attention to room temperature and airflow. Do the rooms feel hot or stuffy? Take a look at the way furniture fits in the house. Do you have big expanses of empty space that are difficult to furnish? Think about the home's comfort, function, and how it can adapt to changes in life

5 pillars of ideology and design; New Building Materials: (2)

Before the turn of the 20th century, building materials were restricted to simple items like brick, stone, and wood. But scientific innovations led to the creation of brand-new materials such as mass-produced glass, steel, reinforced concrete, and cast iron. An exciting world opened up for architects—suddenly, they could experiment with materials that simply weren't available before.

Brief history of modernism (1)

Began in the U.S. in the late 19th century with the industrial revolution as railroads carved paths across the country and telegraphs, telephones, and movies opened communication and spread ideas. Modern architecture was going on in many places around the world, but its earliest and most fully formed ideas were rooted in America.

Demise of modernism after its' peak? (1)

By the 1970s, modernist architecture fell out of favor for several reasons, including maintenance issues. "Even at its peak, modernism never caught on as a major trend or fad. One reason was that modernist design was ahead of material science. Many of the houses didn't hold up well," explains Smart. "Flat-roof houses had a reputation for being leaky because the roofing materials weren't that great. By the time material science caught up, modernism had died down." Modernism also challenged people to live with less square footage and less clutter.

Common features of modernism buildings:

Emphasis on well-defined, rectangular forms Use of modern materials and systems like steel columns, exposed concrete block, stained concrete floors, column-free spaces, and radiant heating systems Innovative use of traditional materials like wood, brick, and stone in simplified ways that showcase their natural features and are installed in large smooth planes A thoughtful relationship between the site and the building where interior space is planned to best compliment the surrounding natural environment

5 pillars of ideology and design; Engineering Advancements: (2)

Engineering techniques developed to the point where structures could employ those new building materials, giving architects the freedom to design buildings that were no longer dependent on thick, load-bearing walls to stand up.

Famous modernist homes: (1)

Fallingwater (Wright), The Elrod House (Lautner), The Lovell House (Neutra), Stahl House (Case Study House #22) (Pierre Koenig), Grace Miller Home (Neutra), The Glass House (johnson)

Who worked with Paul Williams?

From 1939-1940, architect A. Quincy Jones worked for Williams and the two collaborated on at least 20 projects after 1942, including the 1947 Palm Springs Tennis Club.

When buying, consider maintenance costs: (1)

If you are buying an older modernist home, consider a roof inspection. Some modernist homes have flat roof designs, prone to water leaks roofs. "Flat roofs have more potential problems down the road," says Barley, who designs his roofs to appear flat from the facade but have a slight slope for water drainage. "The craft is trying to make these houses look and feel like contemporary architecture yet respond to the climate. We use overhangs and awnings and covered spaces. We reduce the number of materials that can weather or deteriorate in the sun.

Short summary:

In summary, modern architecture began in the late 1900s and ended around the 1960s when more contemporary designs took over. The basic principles of modern architecture include form following function, clean lines, and a lack of ornamentation. Eventually, modern principles became too cold for everyday living due to an excess of space and the stark nature of the building materials.

What is the case study house program?

Initiated in 1945 by Arts and Architecture mag. Remains one of America's most significant contributions to architecture at mid-century. Conceived as low-cost, experimental prototypes, the thirty-six designs of the program epitomized the aspirations of a generational of modern architects during the buoyant years of America's post-World War 11 building boom.

What was the motivating force behind the case study program?

John Entenza, a champion of modernism and editor of arts and architecture mag

When buying, consider heating and cooling costs: (1)

Large expanses of glass, a characteristic of modernist architecture, can add to heating and cooling costs. Experts recommend asking the homeowner for utility bills for the past year. "Look for overhangs or shading devices over the windows to keep the home from overheating," says Barley

Forefathers of architects? (1)

Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, The Harvard Five, Paul Rudolph, Louis Kahn,

Modernism definition:

Modernism in architecture is characterized by its emphasis on form over ornament; appreciation of materials and structure instead of idyllic revival constructions; and the adroit, methodical use of space.

US Modernist said timeline of the architecture's popularity? (1)

Modernist refers to a style and philosophy of architecture that originated in the 1920s, peaked in the '50s and '60s, went away for 30 years, and now is coming back in popularity

5 pillars of ideology and design; Social Progress: (2)

Movements like women's rights and workers' rights blossomed in the 20th century. An increased awareness of social inequality and the idea that everyone should have access to quality housing, workplaces, and public spaces began to take hold.

Common elements of modernist architecture? (1)

Open floor plans, Flat or low-pitched roof, Natural light, Glass walls, Clean lines, Geometric forms, Visible structural elements, Connection to the landscape and climate

Other modernism pioneers:

Other popular pioneers of modern architecture include Frank Lloyd Wright, Staatliches Bauhaus, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Le Corbusier.

People describe modernism as? (1)

Polarizing, seductive, futuristic, hard science and truth,

Who did Pierre Koenig apprentice with?

Raphael Soriano; Edward Fickett; Kistner, Wright and Wright; and Jones and Emmons.

What two notable architects worked with Wright?

Rudolph Schindler and Richard Neutra came to the United States and began working with Frank Lloyd Wright. Schindler and Neutra became well known on the West Coast for their expert blend of European rationalism with Wrightian organicism.

Best known case study homes?

Steel and glass houses by Charles and Ray Eames, Craig Ellwood, Peirre Koenig, Raphel Soriano

5 pillars of ideology and design; Comfort and Health (2)

The idea that a home or even a commercial building should be designed to be comfortable is, believe it or not, a new idea, introduced by Modernism. We have Modernism to thank for elements like a connection to the outdoors, spacious rooms, and lots of light. As 20th-century scientists learned more about disease, hygiene, nutrition, and other fundamentals of health, architects adopted design elements that complemented these findings. Contrast that with pre-Modern buildings, which tended to have small windows, lots of rooms and walls, and an emphasis on keeping weather and nature out.

Where did modernism start?

This idea started with architect Louis Sullivan who designed buildings for the 1893 Chicago World Fair. That mantra became the foundation for modern architects. Early 1900s, from the late 19th century to the middle of the 20th century, Late 19th Century & Early 20th Century Movements 1890 - 1930.

What was the goal of the case study program?

To offer public and building industry models for low-cost housing in modern idiom. enable architects to design low-cost modern houses for actual clients using donated materials from industry and manufacturers

Modern architecture is different than contemporary architecture:

To some people, modern and contemporary architecture are the same thing. However, modern architecture was inspired by an art movement known as modernism and lasted until around 1960. Contemporary architecture incorporates architecture past the 1960s and leading up to today. In short, contemporary architecture is reflective of styles in this current moment, which happen to be very diverse.

Quincy Jones

Worked with Paul Williams.

Frank Lloyd Wright inspiration:

Wright encountered Japanese architecture in its traditional form at the Japanese government's official pavilion. The building featured a half-scale reproduction of a Japanese temple. The open plan, horizontality, broad roofs, carefully wrought craftsmanship, and non-structural walls used in the temple would inform Wright's design aesthetic for the rest of his career.

When buying, consider home's orientation (1)

You'll also want to pay attention to the orientation of the home. Does it take advantage of the breezes, sunlight, and views? "When I evaluate a house, the first thing I do is pull out my compass to see how the house responds to its orientation and site," notes Barley.

What was Pierre Koenig known for?

exposed steel-and-glass buildings. Stahl house.

Modernism formed from what schools of thought? (1)

machine-like and organic (organic tied to frank llyod wright)

What does mid century modern?

manifestation of the future, no thoughts of the past,

Modernism is a spectrum of which styles? (1)

mechanistic / minimalist, organic, futuristic,