Modernist Architecture (1929-1958 CE)

Question 1

Villa Savoye

Answer 1

Represents the essence of modern architecture
Functional house and a modernist sculpture
Argues that beauty lays both in modernity (race cars, airplanes, factories, etc.) but also in the ancient works (like the Parthenon) that represent perfection
Isolates type forms (universal elements of design that work together in a system)
Five Points of architecture (pilotis that lift the building and allow air circulation, roof terraces to bring nature in, a free plan to distribute the interior at will, a free facade to be used for formal experiments, and ribbon windows to let in light but also reinforce the walls)

Question 2

Villa Savoye IDs

Answer 2

Poissy-sur-Seine, France
Le Corbusier (architect)
1929 CE
Modernist
Steel and reinforced concrete

Question 3

Fallingwater

Answer 3

Weekend home for a department store owner
“Best all-time work of American architecture”
Dynastic
Integrates natural surroundings (organic, connects to the site)
Inspired by Japanese architecture (importance of interpenetrating exterior and interior spaces, strong emphasis on harmony between man and nature)

Question 4

Fallingwater IDs

Answer 4

Pennsylvania, United States
Frank Lloyd Wright (architect)
1936-1939 CE
Modernist
Reinforced concrete, sandstone, steel, and glass

Question 5

Seagram building

Answer 5

Example of the functionalist aesthetic and corporate modernism
Headquarters of a distilling company
International style (formal decoration spoke to the public)
Nonstructural bronze l-beams to mimic the steel structure that had to be covered up due to fire codes (vertical and surround the windows)
Interior reinforced concrete to support the nonstructural building is now common, but wasn’t at the time
Window blinds that only open fully, halfway, or not at all to keep everything from looking disorganized
Very expensive
Interior mimics the exterior
High strength bolted connections, braced and moment frames, vertical truss bracing system, employs steel and concrete lateral frame
Plaza in front of building

Question 6

Seagram building IDs

Answer 6

NYC, US
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson
1954-1958 CE
Modernist
Steel frame with glass curtain wall and bronze