Basic Concepts and Theories of Modern Architecture - Research Paper Example

Abstract Modern architecture is one that is reshaping the way that many look at buildings and art. The development of modern architecture and the different areas of thought that have helped to redesign the concepts of architecture have also led into several branches of thought for the artistic designs. This research paper will define the concept of modern architecture and the places that have used this concept for a changing perspective on design in the community. More importantly, there will be an understanding of the effectiveness of modern architecture in contemporary society. Basic Concepts and Theories of Modern Architecture Introduction Modern architecture is one that is continuing to redefine the way that communities and society look at different buildings and pieces of artwork. Architecture is a specialized medium of visual arts that creates a different understanding of not only artistic works, but also of the community and perspectives that are respected within a given society. When defining modern architecture, there is also the ability to create an alternative understanding of visual arts, philosophies and expectations that are a part of every culture. More importantly, modern architecture is able to lead into new influences and understandings of society and philosophies that are within a culture. As modern architecture is displayed in society, it is able to create an impact on the philosophies and understanding that is a part of every community. Defining Modern Architecture The beginning of modern architecture is one that was initially defined by the Greeks and Plato, with the belief that architecture that influenced or changed visual understanding and impact was considered modern. The most recent definition of modern architecture; however, began in the 1850s with the emergence of the industrial revolution and the movement into World War I. The main concept that was used with modern architecture became influenced through the avant – garde movement, which began to create theories based on experimentation and influences through the breaking of boundaries and traditional forms of architecture. The theories that were created from the avant – garde included changes that directly impacted the technical, economic and social understanding through alternative philosophies. Moving outside of the mainstream and expected demands of popular culture then became the basis of modern architecture and the avant – garde movement. The movement was defined specifically by altering, changing or disregarding the expectations within architecture and the buildings that were a part of this. Instead, architecture was used as an expression of art and the society that surrounded this (Benevolo, 1977). The concept of experimentation and the modern architecture that has followed this is further defined by the approach that many architects have used for contemporary methods of buildings. An important aspect of this is the idea of sophisticated technology. Combining this with the architecture that it is used for practicality, function and design has become an important component in architecture. For most modern architecture pieces, is a direct reflection in the expectations of a building by the use that it has. The technological implications are known to change the design into one that has modern features and which identifies the other portions of the building (Foster, 1983). The artistic portion of the architecture is one that is defined as modern by the reflection of contemporary society. The psycho – social reality that is created is one that represents the collective mindset of individuals and the accepted terms of art that are a part of the architectural forms used. To do this, there are different philosophies and ideals related to the modern environment and the expectations that reflect contemporary society. The concept that applies to this in the modern architectural meaning is based on the place – form, which takes the public sphere and creates an identity with the place first. The place then reflects the design and the space that is used to create a philosophy, thought or reality. Representing modern culture with the ideology of place – form becomes one of the most important theories of modern architecture (Foster, 1983). Places that Use Modern Architecture The different regions which apply modern architecture are dependent on the expectations of society and culture as well as the ability to alter the landscape and place that is used. From the time of the industrial revolution, there was a focus on buildings and homes that applied modern architecture, specifically in central downtown areas and large metropolitan areas. The move into modern architecture was able to define new spaces in cities and smaller areas. More importantly, it moved into a renovation of older areas which created a different reflection of society. Buildings such as churches, religious areas of worship, theaters, schools and homes began to be defined by traditional components from before the 1850s to architecture that was used after the industrial revolution. The typological explosion that occurred after this time included buildings such as industrial factories, railway stations, town halls, urban markets, libraries, art galleries, museums and office buildings. Most of the buildings were defined first by need, specifically because of the industrial revolution and the need to have buildings that had practical applications. However, other representations of society, such as through urban markets and galleries, were based on artistic representations of society and culture (Markus, 1993). The movement into more modern architecture, specifically after the 1950s, began to change place and use of buildings. The representation of buildings moved into an identity of landscape, specifically because of the place – form ideology used with modern architecture. The concept that was used was to create a landscape that represented society and culture in different areas. For example, many regions have created initiatives such as urban design. The ideology of urban design is to take one space and to make it reflective of the culture and surrounding area. An example of this is the London Eye, which is a known piece of modern architecture that is designed to represent the history and culture of London, as well as to create a symbol of the turning of the millennium. Another example is the Broadgate in London, which is also known as the ‘place for people.’ The architecture used in this is inclusive of open spaces, plants and different seating areas for individuals to relax in. These places represent the urban design that defines culture, social aspects and the use of place and form to represent the functions of society and culture (Carmona, 2003). Effectiveness of Modern Architecture A main concept that is associated with modern architecture is the ability to have a sense of identity that relates to the buildings and the components of society. The identity that is associated with this is first based on the concepts that are associated with society, such as the needs, demands and reflections that are seen in the artistic works. Other buildings that are modern in nature represent the components of society that are needed for practicality. For instance, the train stations, town halls and corporate buildings all reflect the use of architecture in modern society and reflect the concepts that society associates with. These different components create a different sense of identity and cultural influence as they are used in each region. The main structures that are used then create a direct reflection on architecture and society and what is expected as a part of different cultures. As this is developed over the past historical affiliations, is a new sense of identity that is a part of the modern architecture used (Noobanjong, 2003). The effectiveness that is seen with different societal components is only one of the ways that modern architecture is making an impact on culture. As modern landscapes and urban designs continue to move into different settings, are others that are looking at the architecture for other influences. The first component of this is the practical design, such as the technology and uses of the building. Architects are able to apply new designs and concepts as modern architecture continues to progress through different areas of development. The second part of this is the ability to have a sense of fashion and design used for aesthetic purposes. The architects are able to build specific influences that are related to the modern architectural designs. These designs influence new buildings and allow the buildings to progress from one type of building to the next. An example of this is the beginning of the avant – garde movement, which challenged the changing bounds and concepts of architecture. As this progressed, architects began to build different styles, designs and philosophies based on architecture. Today, the same concepts are used when creating aesthetically pleasing architectural designs that continue to change the way that society looks at different buildings (Huiqon, 2009). The effectiveness of modern architecture from these two aspects then continues with the concept of modern lifestyles and what it means to live in contemporary society. An effective means that is used in architecture is one that is able to incorporate into every facet of life. As modern architecture changes, there is an incorporation of other modern concepts for identity. Individuals, culture and society are first accepted by this. Architects also become influenced with practical designs and expectations, as well as a fulfillment of what is aesthetically pleasing to the contemporary forms of architecture. The combination of these ideologies makes modern architecture one of the most important components of defining modern society and the identities that surround this. Identity that is a part of this is created through specific types of buildings. For instance, industrial buildings such as skyscrapers first represent the architect through artistic and practical means. This is recreated to represent society through such ideals as cultural expectations, economy and social understandings of contemporary thought. The identity that is created makes modern architecture one of the most important elements in defining society and culture at various levels (Burak, 2005). Conclusion Modern architecture is one that has begun to shape and transform different aspects of society and the functions that are a part of this. The first part to this is based on the societal and cultural reflections that are a part of modern architecture. The artistic presentation of this, as well as the ideologies of different architects has created this specific representation. The second component to this is based on the ideology of practicality, specifically with the technological influences that are a part of modern architecture. The reflections then move into the artistic representation that is defined by space, design and form, such as through urban landscapes. The representation of modern architecture is one that is not only providing new types of buildings and artwork. More importantly, it is creating a new sense of identity and an association with society and culture at various levels. Modern architecture is one that has become important in defining modern aesthetics, artwork and the representation of society and culture. References Benevolo, Leonardo. (1977). History of Modern Architecture. UK: Routledge. Carmona, Matthew. (2003). Public Places, Urban Spaces: the Dimensions of Urban Design. Massachusetts: Architectural Press. Foster, Hal. (1983). Postmodern Culture. Washington: Bay Press. Huiqun, Hong. (2009). Introduction to the Effectiveness and Fashion of Urban Landscape. Huazhong Architecture (09). Markus, Thomas. (1993). Buildings and Power: Freedom and Control in the Origin of Modern Building Types. New York: Routledge. Noobanjong, Koompong. (2003). Power, Identity, and the Rise of Modern Architecture: From Siam to Thailand. 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