Week 7: Emergence of Modernism

 The Emergence of Modernism

This week we learned that the emergence of modernism began in the early 1900s. Modernism was needed at the turn of the century and possible to be done through the technological advances that were introduced at this time. This daunting style took off following World War I, which in my opinion, gave a new fresh outlook for people to enjoy after a long treacherous war. With this new look, many people could leave the war in the past and start a new refreshing life with a different interesting design style.

A major influence of the modern style, which we have the honor to visit some of his most famous pieces of work, is Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright is much like John Hughes: a creator that Chicago is known for and will always be associated with. Born and raised in the Midwest, Wright has designed many residential homes in the Chicago land area. These homes include the Winslow House, the Prairie House, the Robie House, and public spaces like Unity Temple. His work reflects the landscapes of the Midwest’s rolling flat lands with an emphasis on horizontal rooflines and window bays. In his public spaces and some residential homes, in plan, he created a tight feel when first entering a building that would then open and decompress once in the main space. This process hid the most important part of a building or home to build anticipation for the beauty that is to come in the next room.

In Europe during this time, an international style was taking over the West. This style followed closely and was a branch of modernism with its simple forms, rejection of ornamentation, use of modern materials, and easy-to-understand construction. One architect I was able to study in depth this past summer was Le Corbusier. He aimed to improve urban cities all while respecting historic designs. When designing furniture, he grasped 3 philosophies: Standard Units, Artificial limbs, and the use of modern technology. These principles are also reflected in his architectural work. Villa Savoye is a building I was blessed with the opportunity to visit in Europe. This raised building uses “artificial limbs” or columns to hold the structure above grade level. The building grind reflects his “standard Unit” philosophy and keeps the constriction simple. Through the use of concrete and glass, the building looks as though it was constructed today.

Modernism is a key style to not only the past but also the present. Today, many strive to keep a minimalistic, retro design for homes or public buildings. Although the style doesn’t contain ornate decoration, it highlights form and the little detail it does include. Through the use of modern materials such as steel and glass, structures can be sturdy groundbreaking pieces that connect the interior with the exterior, thus connecting people with structures and each other. 

One Step Further: Farnsworth House

I have always lived in a small farm town called Waterman which is located 20 minutes away from Plano Illinois. In farmland time 20 minutes is basically 5 minutes because no matter what direction you go, it takes 30 minutes to get to a town with a population of over 10,000 people. Throughout my childhood and growing up in high school I have always gone to Plano for basketball or soccer games that I would compete in. Yet I’m guilty to admit I had never heard of the Farnsworth house by Mies van der Rohe, which is located in Plano, until I became an architecture student a few years ago. My sophomore year we were presented with a project in studio that would incorporate the Farnsworth house and we took a site visit to study the land. When arriving I was amazed that the structure was designed and built in the early 1900s because its simplistic design and modern materials seem like something out of the 20th century.

The design is modular with a 4 by 2 grid of wide flange columns. The whole façade is made of glass with curtains on the interior for privacy. A bathroom and mechanical devices are located in the center of the building to not disrupt the all-glass façade. It is rumored that Mies Van Der Rohe and Mrs. Farnsworth, the client of the home, fought constantly through the design and construction of the house. Mies wanted to showcase his daring design strategies while Mrs. Farnsworth wanted a practical private design. Little compromise was made between the two and their relationship was terminated after construction was complete. Regardless of the twos feud over modernism and practicality, there is no doubt that the house is a Midwest landmark of modern architecture. Perhaps Mies stubborn way gained him a staple architectural piece that is studied and honored still to this day. This presents the question: Is the client always right? For world-renowned architects and designers, probably not. For a student with no experience such as myself, most likely yes.

Sources:

Farnsworth House by Mies van der Rohe: The Iconic Glass House (archeyes.com)

Mies van der Rohe and the Battle with Farnsworth (thoughtco.com)