Evolution of Modern Architecture and Iconic Architects

The Foundations of Modern Architecture

Modern architecture begins with the buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. He explained his idea about what architecture should be: beautiful in themselves and fitting into their surroundings.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Innovations

When building the Imperial Hotel, he split the building into separate, loosely connected sections. In skyscrapers, he utilized a core and cantilever structure, with the Johnson Wax Tower serving as a primary example.

Functional Design and Influences

Modern buildings are designed according to their use; they have different designs based on what they are used for. Two major architects influenced by Wright were Walter Gropius and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

Walter Gropius and the Fagus Works

Gropius's first building, the Fagus Works, featured a steel frame with no supports at the corners, allowing glass to meet at the corner. This was a significant innovation because it had not been used before.

Mies van der Rohe

Van der Rohe was the first to use steel and glass as primary materials for construction.

Le Corbusier and Urban Planning

Le Corbusier was influenced by Cubism and Wright. He primarily used concrete, but unlike other architects, he combined it with steel bars to create reinforced concrete.

His ideas for city planning included:

• A center of the city with tall buildings for offices
• Low apartment houses
• A shopping level above the street
• Public plazas on roofs

Scandinavian Architecture and New Cities

The Scandinavian architect Eliel Saarinen planned buildings such as the Summer Music Pavilion and the Christ Church. Additionally, two totally new cities planned during the last 50 years are Canberra, Australia and Brasilia, Brazil.

Antoni Gaudi and Iconic Landmarks

Antoni Gaudi was a Spanish architect known for his unique style. Notable architectural landmarks include:

• Taliesin: Located in Wisconsin, characterized by many rooms and terraces.
• Fallingwater: Made of glen, built in rock.
• Guggenheim Museum: Located in New York, featuring a concrete spiral.
• Imperial Hotel: Located in Japan.
• Farnsworth House: An example of simplicity.
• Seagram Building: Designed by Mies van der Rohe.
• Notre Dame du Haut: Located in France.
• United Nations Secretariat Building: Located in Manhattan, designed by a group of architects from different countries.
• Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts: Located in New York, used for plays, opera, and other productions.
• UNESCO Offices: Located in Paris.
• Three Powers Plaza: Located in Brasilia, by Antoni Gaudi.
• Sagrada Familia: Located in Barcelona.