Emergence of Modernism

When modernism first started to emerge the idea seemed outrageous and by far the most radical of the art movements. It came at a time where artists wanted reinvent the world post war, and create something different than what had been seen and made for years. This movement has know become very well known and appreciated and still has a strong hold in art and design. Architects like Frank Llyod Wright continue to be studied by architects today, being one of the industry pavers for modernism especially in the United States. He has been known for being an early founder of modernism and creating a new regional style for American architecture. Others that helped carry this Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe were a massive part of the success of this movement, and some argue they were more prominent than Frank Llyod Wright. 




 One Step Further: Mies van der Rohe 
Mies van der Rohe is an architect who I have studied previously and his work is something that draws my eye every time. Mies was a German-American architect and furniture designer is seen as a pioneer to modernism. As a child he worked with his father in a stone carving shop which sparked in interest in design for him, shortly after he began to work for Bruno Paul who was an interior designer. From here Mies started to realize that architecture and design where his passions in life and he began his career in 1908 as an architectural apprentice. After World War 1, his style began to change into modernism as he joined an Avant Garde group of designers. Mies's style consisted of clean, sharp lines, and often times black and white were the colors of choice. His time working with an interior designer paid off as he was able to create furniture that is still used today. His Barcelona chair is one of the most widely known furniture pieces of the modernism era. 

His architectural work extended in both residential homes and commercial buildings. The Farnsworth House in Plano, IL is one of the most famous houses designed by Mies. This home is the epidemy of his style showcasing an all white exterior and interior with clean lines throughout. This home is interesting as is spaces that are outside but still covered by the roof of the interior. This home sits on a platform thus adding to the architectural intrigue. 



Chicago is filled with Mies's work, as he designed many apartment buildings and buildings on the campus of IIT. My personal favorite of his works downtown is S.R Crown Hall. Made from glass and steel this building is prominent in its own right. This building was constructed in 1956 and was originally built for the IIT campus (the school of architecture and institute of design). 
















Modern Applications 

1. Modern architecture as we know in 2022, still resembles what architects like Mies van der Rohe revolutionized. Cube forms are often used and have minimal to no ornamentation or detailing. White and black are still the prominent colors in this type of design. 
2. Interiors follow suit with the exteriors for modern design. While this design is beautiful it does not have any pops of color or detailing which is a perfect example of modern interior design. Once again black is seen as the primary color in the space with clean lines. 

Comments

  1. Dezaray MillerFebruary 26, 2022 at 12:04 PM

    Meaghan,
    I like that you mentioned that Le Corbusier and Mies Van Der Rohe were a massive part of this movement, and some believe they were even more prominent that Frank Lloyd wright. I think I agree with that statement to a certain extent. They I think had a bigger influence on the modern style and, and stood out and apart in their own ways, more than Frank Lloyd Wright did. I also like that you focused on Mies, I also really like his work, especially the Farnsworth. But his work wasn’t as practical and functional like le Corbusier. Your first example of current modern application is so cool. I love architecture has large extended cantilivers and are suspending and stacking on each other.

    ReplyDelete
  2. EmmalineFebruary 26, 2022 at 3:45 PM

    Meaghan,
    I loved reading your blog and what stood out to you about modernism. In your "one step further" section I enjoyed reading about the furniture side of Mies van der Rohe. He had such a major impact on modernism in America and in Europe. As you pointed out, many of his design features are still being used in today's society. Overall great research and enjoyable blog!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Professor VanderNoordaaFebruary 27, 2022 at 8:20 AM

    Meaghan,
    I really enjoyed your summary of Emergence of Modernism. The historical perspective is so important to understanding this movement. World war II, and the flight of the major architects and designers to the United States has given us so many opportunities to view these prominent buildings and interiors.
    Mies van der Rohe was very influential and we are fortunate to be able to view the Farnsworth House locally.
    Your current application examples were excellent. Total Points: 50/50

    ReplyDelete

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