IndexHistory of ModernismClean Lines and Simplified FormsOpen Floor Plan and FunctionalityThe Use of Modern Systems and MaterialsExamples of Open Floor Plans and Modern MaterialsUsing Natural Light and GlassLack of ornamentation and mouldingsEvaluation of modern buildingsLe Corbusier's Villa SavoyeMies van der Rohe's Barcelona PavilionLe Corbusier's Ronchamp ChapelBosjes Chapel, Wellington, South AfricaThe following research paper will critically engage with the architectural movement known as Modernism. This will be done by examining its overall formal, spatial, tectonic, philosophical and contextual characteristics, to establish a theoretical framework. This framework will then be applied in the evaluation of four architectural projects, to establish the extent to which the buildings follow or differ from this framework. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Modernism can be seen as a style or philosophy of architecture. It is a huge global movement known for adhering to minimalism and moving away from ornamentation. Minimalism strives to convey a message of simplicity, with basic geographic shapes, simple materials, and undecorated elements. (Architecture, 2017) Modernism is infused with and surrounds or has a hold on futurism, De Stijl, Bauhaus and constructivism. All of these themes have an influence on modernism and help shape the theoretical framework of modernism. Modernism obtains various characteristics from other influences. The main characteristics used to describe modernism are; asymmetrical compositions, use of reinforced concrete, flat roofs, use of general cubic shapes, use of ribbon windows, and absence of ornamentation or moldings. (Architecture, 2017)History of ModernismAccording to various sources, modernism developed from the struggle of romanticism against the results of the industrial revolution. There are three periods into which the history of modernism in architecture can be divided: being; early, modern and late. Between the 1920s and 1950s modernism arose in architecture, although it originated in the age of reason and growth towards more advanced technology. As best stated by Ela Poursani in her book entitled Modernism as a Response, “The modernist motto “A house is a machine for living”, stated by Le Corbusier in 1921, refers to a building having the purity of form of a well designed and functional architecture as parts of the machine. This “aesthetics of the machine” which originates from Descartes defines one of the central concepts of modernism.” (Poursani, 2003)This statement by Ela Poursani is supported by many well-known architects, as it describes a concept related to modernism. Since many architects had to adjust their way of thinking and designing due to the industrial revolution and the large use of machinery throughout the world. Many architects claimed that they did not follow any style, because modernism was more than a style, it was a new vision of the world, stimulated by a new way of looking at time and space. Modern designers in the 1920s began to adapt to the possibility of mass production and new technologies. The central theme of modernism therefore became the aesthetics of the machine. Two architects then began to promote this language, namely; Walter Gropius and Le Corbusier. (Anthony S. Denzer, 2004)Clean lines and simplified shapesSimplicity in form and design represents the "modern look". Essential shapes, clean shapes and lines create an abstraction on which modern architecture is based. Therefore, the characteristics of modernism are simple forms,geometric, simple rectangular shapes and linear elements. This can be seen in the Weissenhof Siedlung building which will be further evaluated later in the research paper. (Anthony S. Denzer, 2004) Open Floor Plan and Functionality Functionality is also a term that characterizes the shape of a modern building. Functionality means that things are built or made for a specific purpose. The saying "Form follows function" best defines the term functionality. The open space concept is intertwined with functionality. One of the characteristics of modernism is to allow multiple work and living spaces to not be separate spaces but rather to function as a multi-use area. (Norberg-Schultz, 1950) The use of modern systems and materials Modernism is well known for the use of modern materials such as reinforced concrete and steel columns, which could not be done until the industrial revolution. Steel columns are often exposed, and concrete blocks are used as a finishing material as well as a structural material. Concrete floors add emphasis to the use of solid concrete in modern buildings. Modern systems such as steel trusses that span long distances, allow for the possibility of open floor plans as the spaces would be free of columns. Modern systems such as radiant heating systems increase human thermal comfort inside buildings. (buildings, 2018) Examples of open floor plans and modern materials Use of natural light and glass In modernism, windows are no longer small frames used to peek outside, but rather a much larger floor-to-ceiling expanded glass. This provides natural light that reaches far into the home and introduces spectacular views thanks to the light. These glass windows vary from large windows to horizontal ribbon windows. Ribbon windows are an expression of the facade hanging from the structural framework. This created a break in the external load-bearing walls which were not only the structure but also the facade. These horizontal windows could not be matched with traditional fences but became the symbol of a new direction in modern architecture. (Merleau-Ponty, 1945) Lack of ornamentation and moldings Clean aesthetics are a well-known feature of modernism. Removing elaborate trim and decorative moldings results in a clean aesthetic, as materials meet in simple but well-executed joints. Ornaments and moldings are used for decorations. In the past this was a trend as people believed that ornaments were the beauty of buildings. In the 19th century, however, Adolf Loof (a modernist architect) stated that “ornament is a crime.” According to his essay “Ornament is a Crime”, he states that ornamentation is a social crime as it destroys the function and potential of materials. For me ornament is unnecessary and has no function in a building. In modernism, simplicity is beauty, so ornaments are not necessary. Simple forms of materials have more functions and purposes than moldings and ornaments. (Loof, 1956)Evaluation of modern buildingsVilla Savoye by Le CorbusierVilla Savoye is a key building in the development of the modernist movement. It is one of the very few houses in France to be declared a National Monument during Le Corbusier's lifetime. The Savoye family turned to Le Corbusier to design a weekend holiday home, which became the final building in Le Corbusier's “White Villas” series. The holiday home is located in Poissy, a small town outside Paris, in an open field that was once surrounded by woods. The five points of Le Corbusier's architecture were evident in this building as he was granted thefreedom to explore these points due to the minimal restrictions given by the client. The key features he believed were necessary for modern architecture include: The building raised off the ground by passatelli Open-plan interiors A clear façade independent of the building's load-bearing structures A flat roof that could be occupied as a terrace and garden Ribbon windows to ventilation and natural lighting purposesVilla Savoye also shows Le Corbusier's strong belief in the house as a “machine for living”. This belief is expressed through spatial planning, as spaces are organized to provide a minimalist aesthetic and allow for maximizing efficiency. The sliding curved glazing at ground level derives from the turning radius concept of 1929 automobiles. This allowed the owner to pass under the larger volume and easily enter the integrated garage. This also references Le Corbusier's interest in automotive design. A line of thin white painted concrete columns acts as support for the upper level. The lower lever however is set back and is painted green to resemble the surrounding forests. This creates the illusion of a volume floating above the lower level. A common feature in Le Corbusier's work and a feature used to define modernism are window strips. These are incorporated into the building to allow them to slide over each other and are positioned at the upper level in the center of the facade to allow as much light into the building as possible. The various characteristics defined in the framework of modernism are evident in this project, that's why it manages to follow this framework. (Ford, 1928 to 1988) Mies van der Rohe's Barcelona Pavilion Mies van der Rohe's German Pavilion at the Barcelona Universal Exhibition, known simply as the Barcelona Pavilion, was designed and built about twenty years ago before his Fransworth House. The main concept that Ludwig Mies van der Rohe tried to apply in the design of this project is “Less is more”. This is expressed by using as few components as possible while maintaining the possibility of multi-purpose rooms and well-organized functional spaces. This goes hand in hand with the simplicity that is the key characteristic of modernism. The Barcelona Pavilion has a low horizontal orientation, highlighted by the low flat roof which creates the illusion that the roof is floating over both the interior and exterior of the building. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe got his idea from the works of Frank Lloyd Wright, he learned that rectilinear spaces whose shapes were completely defined. The shapes were then joined together to form an open plan, making the exterior and interior of the pavilion appear the same. This made him realize that less is more. The building structure is made of eight cross-shaped steel pillars to support the flat roof. Large glass structures fill the interior creating the interior walls. The grid system designed by Mies does not serve as a load-bearing structure for the work systems, but also as a model for laying travertine flooring. The horizontal planes are divided by vertical planes of marble and glass that appear to be freestanding in an open floor plan. This adds emphasis to strategic wall placement to allow a simple floor plan to appear complex in its very form. The walls of the building therefore act as directors of the spaces rather than being just structural support. Therefore, this project shows evidence of various characteristics of a modern building and has helped shape modernism and its structure in many ways. (Architecture, 2017)Ronchamp Chapel by Le CorbusierIn 1954 the Ronchamp Chapel was.