Modernism in America Part 1

 The modernism movement started in Germany and France and spread after World War 2. Many of the founders of this movement fled from European countries to Britain or America due to the wars. Before the war, modernism was theoretical and idealistic but changed after the war and became more practical, like how it is today. Modernism in America featured poured concrete with cast geometric ornament that included elaborate terraces and gardens. One of the most successful houses during this period was the Millard house, which included concrete blocks cast with decorative patterned faces and repeated patterns. There are many influential architects from this period, one of them being Rudolph Schindler.

 

 

 

One step further:

Rudolph Schindler determined that architecture provides the structure, space, and design for interior spaces. He saw that architecture and interior design go hand and hand and wanted a compositional design throughout the structure, creating continuity. Schindler favored concrete, redwood, and high, which was commonly used in all of his designs unless he went his less expensive route, then he would use plaster and stucco over a wood frame. The Kings Road House building is what stood out to me, I love its windows, fireplace, and asymmetrical floor plan and that created a space for two young families. Especially the living room in the image below, I love the open concept and the concrete fireplace that is off-center but still a statement. I feel like styles before focused on centralized plans to emphasize the centers of rooms with symmetry, but modernism reversed that. I noticed on the exterior Schindler continued that same fireplace design to the outside, where you could sit and enjoy the fire as well, another example of how he continued elements throughout the building. One of the figures below shows an entrance and I thought it was really cool how it would be hidden at a distance, but as you get closer the bushes around it emphasize the door.

 Current Applications:

1. I chose this image below because it uses the same materials as the Schindler house, focusing on metal, glass, and concrete. I also think it dramatizes some of the architectural features that are represented in the Farnsworth, La Villa Savoye, and Glass House.  This building includes a lot of glass and contrast between the dark black walls and gray concrete. It has extended cantilevers that are present in the Farnsworth, suspending far enough to be a roof for a car to park under. The design makes the floor and ceiling look like one entity/skin, this reminded me of the Museum of Modern art in New York, as the same plane goes around the glass without distinct separation.

2. This image is not as geometric as the other examples, or pieces in the modernism upbringing, but this shows how organic shapes and movement have become very popular in modernism. Modernism has become more than just straight, geometric, sharp lines. This building includes the large curtain walls, that is very popular with this style, but has a contrast of the white skin overlaying it. I love this building because it confuses your eye with the durability of the roof, wall, and floor. It tricks you into thinking it is flexible and bendy. This goes to show how much more architecture has advanced with technology and the range of opportunities now. 

3. This last example is an obvious choice because of its similarity to the glasshouse and Farnsworth. Both Mies Van der Rohe and Phillip Johnson wanted the architecture to be one with nature. Being able to experience and be exposed to nature from all directions. This building takes that idea to the next step as it is not only surrounded by woods but is on the water with that gorgeous reflection. It is also white and black, combining the colors of the Farnsworth and glasshouse. Lastly, it added some more geometric interest and practicality with the addition of a room with some privacy, something that was widely controversial with the other masterpieces before.