What To Know About Modern Architecture: A Complete Guide

Homes come in many architectural styles and aesthetics. However, few styles are as distinctive as modern architecture. Buildings in this style have a unique, eye-catching look that can be very polarizing, especially when buying a house.

What Is Modern Architecture?

Modern architecture is a design style that focuses on functionality over aesthetics or, in other words, function over form. This style of architecture features clean lines, basic shapes and intentional asymmetry. It’s designed to be striking, functional and well-integrated into surrounding nature.

Compared to other types of home styles, modern architecture is more streamlined and functional. Foregoing the intricacies of Victorian, Gothic or other design styles, modernism prefers a clean, efficient look.

History Of Modern House Architecture

The first iterations of modern architecture appeared between the late 1800s and the mid-1900s. Advances in technology following the industrial revolution allowed for the mass production of furniture and other construction materials for the first time. These technological developments put new focus on functionality and the rational use of space and materials when building.

The exact origins of the modern design movement are still debated, but several notable events influenced the style we know today.

1893 Chicago World’s Fair

Also known as the 1893 Columbian Exposition, this World’s Fair was where American architect Louis Sullivan first showcased what we now know as skyscrapers. Sullivan’s use of steel frames and large glass windows laid the groundwork for the high-rises we see today, and his “form follows function” philosophy earned him the moniker “the father of modernism.”

1919 Bauhaus School

Founded in Weimar, Germany, by Walter Gropius, the Bauhaus was a school of design that worked to combine art and architecture. Students studied color theory, basket weaving, pottery and painting. They focused on the idea of form follows function and strove to make everyday objects beautiful yet accessible. The design school’s emphasis on “less is more” had a major impact on the modernist architecture movement.

1932 MoMA Exhibition

Curated by American architect Philip Johnson and architectural historian Henry-Russell Hitchcock in 1932, the Museum of Modern Art’s Modern Architecture exhibit established what the modernist movement was all about. The exhibit emphasized three key principles: regular and standardized elements, a lack of ornamentation and volume over mass. 

Like the movements that came before it, modernism was met with both praise and criticism. In fact, Postmodern architecture emerged in the 1970s as a direct response to modernism’s minimalist style.

Different Types Of Modern Architecture, Defined

There are several phases within the modern architecture period, each with their own distinct qualities:

• Early modern architecture: This style emerged in the late 19th century and included expressionism and art deco styles. The style is best demonstrated in early skyscrapers, like the iconic Flatiron Building in New York City.
• Midcentury modern: Midcentury modern is a home style that stresses minimalism, organic silhouettes and juxtaposition between traditional materials, like wood, and nontraditional ones, like metal or glass.
• Postmodern architecture: Postmodern design was a direct response to modern architecture and led to an increase in eclectic, colorful designs that feature purely decorative elements.

Characteristics Of Modern Architecture

There are several common characteristics that give modern buildings their distinct look. These include open floor plans, clean lines, flat roofs, large windows and the use of modern materials.

Open Floor Plans

Open floor plans are a key feature of modern architecture. Their clean lines and wide-open feel exemplifies the very essence of the modern style. When it comes to putting function over form, an open space allows for plenty of natural light, fresh air and easy continuity inside the home. This makes an open interior an essential part of modern architecture.

Minimal, Clean Lines

Straight, clean lines and geometric shapes are another characteristic of modern architecture. These minimalist lines make a space feel more open and allow the eye to focus on the intentional design moments in a space. Clean lines contribute to the simplicity of modern style and are one of the biggest hallmarks of the form follows function philosophy. 

Flat Or Low-Pitched Roofs

Functionally, a flat roof makes sense because it gives owners better access to the space. Visually, flat roofs were seen as a bit countercultural, contrasting with the more common slope roof. Modernists loved the parallel lines between a flat roof and horizontal windows, as well as the simple geometric look they give the exterior of a building.

Large Horizontal Windows

Large horizontal windows, sometimes called ribbon windows, allow for light to enter the entire expanse of a building. This can make a space feel bright, inviting and less visually busy than many smaller windows. Large windows also create a beautiful flow between the indoors and surrounding nature; they can even help seamlessly integrate your home’s interior with any outdoor living spaces.

Modern Materials

Modern architecture typically combines industrial materials with natural materials. In this case, the industrial materials include glass, steel and concrete, and the natural materials include wood and stone. Together, these materials work well with sleek, clean lines and neutral colors.

Famous Modern Home Architecture Examples

Here are some famous examples of modern architecture.

Villa Savoye

Villa Savoye is a famous example of modern house architecture. Designed by architect Le Corbusier, this modernist villa is located in the outskirts of Paris, France. The construction of this villa led Le Corbusier to create the five pillars of modern architecture, which went on to define the aesthetic.

Fallingwater

Fallingwater was designed by Frank Llyod Wright and is located in southwest Pennsylvania. The home was beautifully designed to flow with the Bear Run creek and waterfall that runs underneath it. Fallingwater is a wonderful example of how modern architecture integrates with the nature surrounding it.

The Glass House

The Glass House was designed by architect Phillip Johnson and is located in New Canaan, Connecticut. With a complete rectangular shape, flat walls and almost entirely glass exterior, this home captures the essence of the modern style. It flows stunningly with the surrounding woods and is an impressive, if impractical, example of the modern aesthetic.

Eames House

Eames House, located in Los Angeles, California, was designed by architects Charles and Ray Eames. The house is well-known for its rectangular shape, bold, color-blocked exterior and flowing, open spaces. Its design is not only a picture of modern architecture but also a fantastic example of De Stijl, a modernist art movement.

The Bottom Line

Whether you want to live in a completely modern home or a traditional house with just a few modern touches, your perfect home is out there.

If you’re ready to find your dream home, connect with an expert agent and start house hunting today.