Modernity and Modernism - Essay Example

Modernism and Modernity Name: Course: Institution: Date: Modernism and Modernity Introduction Modernism provides an elaborate description of set of cultural tendencies and an array of related cultural movements, which originally arose from far reaching changes and wide scale developments in the western society in late 19th century and early 20th century (Sandercock 1998). This school of thought was often perceived as a revolt against the conservative values that were propounded by realism. The most outstanding and pragmatic motive of modernism was the rejection of tradition and its reprise, integration, modifying, restatement, revision and caricature of new forms. In its development, modernism is perceived to be a rejection of the lingering certainty enlightenment school of thought while also rejecting the existence of an all-powerful God. The main objective of this essay is to provide an in-depth description of the aesthetic, social, cultural and philosophical ideas that underpinned modernism. This will be through a selection of designed objects and buildings, which will be essential in elaborating their significance within the modern movement. Aesthetic ideas underpinning modernism One of the major ideas that defined modernism was based on the description of a series of reforming cultural movements in architecture, art, literature and music among other fields that emerged in the late 19th century. From an aesthetical perspective, embracing change encompassed the ability of thinkers to demonstrate that the traditional tendencies used in architecture were outdated (Sandercock 1998). This meant that they had the responsbility of directly confronting new economic and political aspects of a world characterized by industrialization. One of the leading proponent of modernism in early 20th century was William Morris argued that the ideology was based on the need to ensure the return of handcrafted and well made goods rather than goods subjected to mass production that were often characterized by low quality. From his perspective, Morris asserted that those embracing modernism must always ensure that the goods or designs they develop their endeavours serve some purpose. From his perspective, modernism is therefore based on the belief that utility was equally essential as beauty. While advocating for the use of handcrafted and well-designed goods, the proponents of modernism began embracing new technologies that were not only a breaking away from traditional methodologies but also ensuring that mass production brought with it high quality (Sandercock 1998). During this period, the aesthetic of the machine became one of the defining themes in modernism. The objective of modernism in design of buildings was to break away from traditional aesthesis that was characterized by cookie-cutter designs. The objective was to ensure the design of homes that went beyond the standard design. Modernism embraced architectural design that pursued projects inspired by layouts. One of the leading proponents of modernism in early 20th century, Louis Sullivan, coined the phrase “form follows function.” This was considered as a phrase that inspired modernistic tendencies in building. According to this phrase, the function of a project or land dictated the main ideas that defined a design. Frank Lloyd Wright drew much of his fame from building with the land. For instance, most of the designs of his residential homes were dependent on land as the major determinant of the technique of laying out a building. This was based on the belief that building should not be plopped down from land instead, it should be one with the land. Modernism from this perspective drew its inspiration the utility of the project. Modernist believed that if a project is meant to display something or be occupied by a specific personality, the role of the designer was to elucidate each unique situation that was often defined by the purpose of the building (Solomon 2003). Social ideas underpinning modernism Modernism was defined by numerous social forces, which worked with the objective of becoming the basis of a radically different form of art and school of thought. Industrialization was one of the outstanding features of modernism considering that it resulted in the design and the development of one of the major architectural designs such as the Eiffel Tower, which was constructed in late 19th century (Sandercock 1998). One of the major sociological differences presented by this design is that it broke all the previous limitations on how tall buildings could be. This presented the designers with a different approach of thought considering that all their previous schools of thought were replaced a radically and functional approach towards the development of architectural designs. In the process of developing such designs, the designers were to consider different elements that could not only ensure the development of taller buildings but also those that could enhance the design of stronger and lasting buildings using existing materials (Jacobs 1961). In early 20th century, there was a growing tension and some form of uneasiness, which was manifest in the artistic work of the existing medium considering that they exemplified radically simplified or a rejection previous practices. These developments were considered essential in the development of modernism considering that they not only defined the existing disruption but also suggested the possible techniques that could be embraced when moving beyond the simple realism that defined different fields (Jacobs 1961). From a sociological perspective, modernism was perceived as a progressive school of thought. However, it also saw traditional social arrangements and forms as a hindrance to progress. This meant that it was the responsbility of designers during the late 19th century and the early 20th century to embrace the movement as a revolution aimed at overthrowing the traditional forms rather than enlighten the existing designers. This was an indication that modernism not only introduced changes but also brought with it problems in the social lives of different communities (Ley 1989). From a sociological perceptive, modern architecture such as the Eiffel Tower was considered unique because it was free of unnecessary elements and clutter. This was because for the modernist perspective the goals and objectives of such a project were defined from the beginning. Designers based their work on the belief that less is more and this explained why their focus was on the design rather than other features such as the décor (Moe and Carter 1997). While being disruptive, modernism, especially in architecture embraced simplicity and clarity. Its progressive nature explained why designers introduced varying degrees of this movement. For instance, there were those who opted for the strict design sense of minimalism, while others preferred the incorporation of minimalistic ideals together with their personal styles with the objective of creating a unique modern stele with regard to altering the social lives of the people (Newman and Jeffrey 1999). Cultural ideas underpinning modernism From a cultural perspective, modernism can be considered as a revolt of against the existing cultural values that were prescribed by realism. This rejection was based on the eruption of thinkers who were propelled by the belief that the rational form of architecture, art, and literature among other elements that defined their daily lives were not only outdated but needed some new approach with regard to the development of social, political and the economic conditions during the years of industrialization (Solomon 2003). By the end of the First World War, modernism had entered popular culture. This was because there was an increase in urbanization and most of the designers began looking at the growing urban population as one of the major sources of ideas considering that there was need to ensure that the population was comfortable while at the same time enhancing effective use of existing resources. Modernism thrived in the period of industrialization where machines were perceived as the liberators. Together with mass production and standardization, modernism was thought to provide lasting solutions to existing problems such as housing in major cities. This meant that to ensure success it was important for the society to embrace egalitarianism through standardized products that were considered for all (Solomon 2003). This was based on the belief that when united as a force it was possible for the society through its thinkers to ensure improvements in the traditional architectural designs. Furthermore, the philosophy of industrial production became entrenched as a cultural practice of ordinary citizens. For architects, modernism provided a platform of applying universals solutions that were not only functional but also utilitarian to the problems of housing. One of the major architects during this period, Le Corbusier, developed a blueprint for the modernist architects in large cities in the proclamation that it was important to consider the development of a single building that could house all nations and climates (Rosner 2005). This statement was considered as a bold movement from the traditional cultural practices that were characterized by decadent ornamentation. For modernistic architects the meaning of buildings was in their use. This explained why in late 19th century and early 20th century the local context was replaced by simple geometry, which was devoid of historical, regional and cultural references that were major limitations to development (Irving 1993). Cultural alterations led to the loss of respect by architects among the locals because instead of seeking ways of attuning themselves in the places they were working on they imposed products of their egoistic imaginations hence their disruptive nature. Despite their disruptive nature, they used their skills in the creation of spaces and this made communities the vacant amorphous non-places of modernist city. This explains why they were successful in erasing history and traditional cultural practices and replacing it with standardized forms with more disastrous effects (Betsky 2015). Philosophical ideas underpinning modernism The defining philosophical idea of modernism is that “Forms follow function.” When perceived in relation to the architectural designs of this period, it is possible to assert that modernism stressed on functionalism, which was defined by the elimination of ornaments as a way of ensuring that buildings plainly expressed their purpose (Solomon 2003). This principle was essential in the period of modernism considering that it led to the design of buildings from inside outwards. Through this philosophical approach, designers were able to let the essential structure dictate the form and its external appearance. Modernism was considered as one of the most influential approaches to architectural designs because it advocated for the rejection of ornament while embracing minimalism. From a philosophical approach, modernism proved essential because it was associated with the analytical approach towards the functionality of buildings (Betsky 2015). This was defined by the strict and rational use of materials and openness to structural innovation as a technique of creating more spaces. Through the philosophy of forms follow function, modernism, with regard to architectural designs was considered as embracing futurism and constructivism. For instance during the early 20th century, some of the most outstanding styles of buildings, such as the Schocken department store, included flat roofs, asymmetrical composition, use of reinforced concrete, large windows characterized by metal and glass frameworks. Furthermore, other styles included the absence of mouldings and ornaments, and a tendency of cream render, which was often emphasized by black and white photography (Isenstadt & Rizvi 2008). For architects, plans were loosely arranged, often characterized by open-plan interiors. Some of the most popular architects such as Walter Gropius and Le Corbusier advocated for this approach because it could provide better housing alternatives for the growing population in the cities (Betsky 2015). The development of modernism was considered a disruptive philosophy because it was based on the idea of radical change. Modernism was some form of aphorism, which was based on the assertion that progress in the society was slow because of constraints of traditional values that had been unquestioned for a long time and it was only radical change that could eliminate such constraints (Sandercock 1998). Conclusion Modernism is a movement that advocates for the development of self-consciousness in the society through the social, cultural, and philosophical dimensions with regard to architectural designs. The need to develop more spaces using modern technology in design necessitated the eradication of traditional techniques and the ability to embrace disruptive and radical changes. Despite the challenges, modernism is a movement that developed in stages with the objective of embracing different from of experimentalism and creativity in development of cities. References Betsky, A 2015, Making it modern. The history of modernism in architecture of design. New York: ActarD Inc. Irving, A 1993, The Modern/postmodern Divide in Urban Planning. University of Toronto Quarterly. Summer, 474-488. Isenstadt, S., & Rizvi, K 2008, Modernism and the Middle East: Architecture and politics in the twentieth century. Seattle: University of Washington Press. Jacobs, J 1961 The Death and Life of Great American Cities. New York: Vintage. Ley, D 1989. “Modernism, Post-modernism and the Struggle for Place.” In James Agnew and James Duncan (eds.). The Power of Place: Bringing TogetherGeographical and Sociological Imaginations. Boston: Unwin Hyman. pp. 44-65. Moe, R and Carter, W 1997, Changing Places; Rebuilding Community in The Age of Sprawl. Boston: Henry Holt & Co. Newman, P and Jeffrey, K 1999, Sustainability and Cities: Overcoming Automobile Dependence. Washington: Island Press. Rosner, V 2005, Modernism and the architecture of private life. New York: Columbia University Press. Sandercock, L 1998, Towards Cosmopolis: Planning for Multicultural Cities. Chichester, England: Wiley. Solomon, D 2003, Global City Blues. Washington: Island Press. Read More

Social ideas underpinning modernism Modernism was defined by numerous social forces, which worked with the objective of becoming the basis of a radically different form of art and school of thought. Industrialization was one of the outstanding features of modernism considering that it resulted in the design and the development of one of the major architectural designs such as the Eiffel Tower, which was constructed in late 19th century (Sandercock 1998). One of the major sociological differences presented by this design is that it broke all the previous limitations on how tall buildings could be.

This presented the designers with a different approach of thought considering that all their previous schools of thought were replaced a radically and functional approach towards the development of architectural designs. In the process of developing such designs, the designers were to consider different elements that could not only ensure the development of taller buildings but also those that could enhance the design of stronger and lasting buildings using existing materials (Jacobs 1961). In early 20th century, there was a growing tension and some form of uneasiness, which was manifest in the artistic work of the existing medium considering that they exemplified radically simplified or a rejection previous practices.

These developments were considered essential in the development of modernism considering that they not only defined the existing disruption but also suggested the possible techniques that could be embraced when moving beyond the simple realism that defined different fields (Jacobs 1961). From a sociological perspective, modernism was perceived as a progressive school of thought. However, it also saw traditional social arrangements and forms as a hindrance to progress. This meant that it was the responsbility of designers during the late 19th century and the early 20th century to embrace the movement as a revolution aimed at overthrowing the traditional forms rather than enlighten the existing designers.

This was an indication that modernism not only introduced changes but also brought with it problems in the social lives of different communities (Ley 1989). From a sociological perceptive, modern architecture such as the Eiffel Tower was considered unique because it was free of unnecessary elements and clutter. This was because for the modernist perspective the goals and objectives of such a project were defined from the beginning. Designers based their work on the belief that less is more and this explained why their focus was on the design rather than other features such as the décor (Moe and Carter 1997).

While being disruptive, modernism, especially in architecture embraced simplicity and clarity. Its progressive nature explained why designers introduced varying degrees of this movement. For instance, there were those who opted for the strict design sense of minimalism, while others preferred the incorporation of minimalistic ideals together with their personal styles with the objective of creating a unique modern stele with regard to altering the social lives of the people (Newman and Jeffrey 1999).

Cultural ideas underpinning modernism From a cultural perspective, modernism can be considered as a revolt of against the existing cultural values that were prescribed by realism. This rejection was based on the eruption of thinkers who were propelled by the belief that the rational form of architecture, art, and literature among other elements that defined their daily lives were not only outdated but needed some new approach with regard to the development of social, political and the economic conditions during the years of industrialization (Solomon 2003).

By the end of the First World War, modernism had entered popular culture. This was because there was an increase in urbanization and most of the designers began looking at the growing urban population as one of the major sources of ideas considering that there was need to ensure that the population was comfortable while at the same time enhancing effective use of existing resources.

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