Modern Architecture: Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier & the International Style
20th Century Modern Architecture: Key Figures
Mies van der Rohe
Mies van der Rohe is considered a founder of the modern movement, along with Gropius, Wright, and Le Corbusier. Mies exerted enormous influence on architecture, learning about building in stone from his father. He moved to Berlin and worked for several architects, including the expressionist November. His early projects included glass skyscrapers. After initially using concrete, he featured it in an office building and also designed brick houses. He emphasized horizontality. His works are often divided into flag-style skyscrapers. The Wolf’s house was a brick cottage where Mies built a house in the same aesthetic as concrete. The circular section metal railings evoked a nautical theme. The Barcelona Pavilion stands out for its thin cover.
Le Corbusier
Le Corbusier was a painter with a substantial body of built work and projects. For Le Corbusier, architecture was an expression of the spirit. He aimed to integrate his designs with the fashion industry. One of his most famous works is the Villa Savoye. He entered a contest for the Palace of the League of Nations, which he won. Another notable work is the Swiss Pavilion in the university city of Paris. In this building, he emphasized lighting, ventilation, and views. He also designed a project for the Soviets in Moscow and constructed the Maison de Weekend, a weekend house made of raw stone. His town plans for Montevideo, Buenos Aires, and Rio de Janeiro are also noteworthy.
The Development of Skyscrapers
The skyscraper is a defining feature of the great metropolis, characterized by a large number of floors, elevators, and a metal structure. New York City embraced skyscrapers, and large buildings were used for advertising companies and products. The basic skyscraper was wider at the base than the rest of the structure. Early skyscrapers incorporated historicism, with the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building being prominent examples. The Empire State Building embodies the cult of quantity and is a symbol of Manhattan and the last of the Art Deco skyscrapers. It typically features a stepped design. The skyscrapers of Rockefeller Center were another highlight. The skyscrapers of the 1920s represented a renewal in American architecture.
The International Style
American architecture was in a position to assimilate European constructive rationality. Richard Neutra came to the West Coast after working in Wright’s studio. His first project was the Society of Nations. Neutra’s early work included the Jardinette Apartments, constructed of concrete painted white. The term “International Style” originated from a modern art exhibition in New York, subtitled “The International Style.”
Distribution of the Modern Movement in Europe
In Holland, a group of progressive architects emerged. This group relied on new materials and forms, understanding that the International Style architecture would improve modern life. Mendelsohn designed the De La Warr Pavilion, with Serge Chermayeff.
Totalitarian Architecture
Totalitarian architecture occurred in countries where authoritarian regimes imposed their architectural style. Monumentalism used the symbolism of force and power as propaganda. Modern architecture was considered a threat to the establishment of these new regimes.