The advent of modernism brought in a change in the perception of architecture. Modernism was also led to the advent of new materials and exploration of their possibilities. Modernist architecture meant embracing of new technology in construction. Therefore, this meant a rejection of the old ornamental design and was replaced by a minimalistic and sleek design concept. Modernism led to the rise of modern ideologies and Architects of this genre were quite successful in translating the modern ideology into the built forms. Today we have a wide range of living examples of modernism to refer to and experience the context of modernism in architecture.
Modern Architecture
Modernism in Architecture was at its peak in the times of the Industrial Revolution. As a result, modernist buildings were usually constructed with items of mass production, for instance, Glass, Steel and concrete. The era of the industrial revolution demanded sound infrastructure and modern methods of construction. Hence, modernism led to a process of shift in Architecture. Buildings were designed with an industrial context; therefore less attention was paid to the ornamentation. It is the functionality that mattered most. This made way for new ideologies and more functional design. This led to the extraction of maximum potential out of the simplest materials.
Modern buildings gave away an ideology of breaking away the monotony of conventional architectural methods that were then prevalent. It gave a more corporate and minimal look to the buildings and was followed by architects all around the globe. Let us experience the glory of such living examples of the ‘Timeless Beauties’ of modern architecture.
1.The Palace of Assembly, India
Le Corbusier was the pioneer of modern architecture, especially in India. The Palace of Assembly of Chandigarh is one such instance. The Palace of Assembly, India is one such example of modernism in architecture. The concept of Five points of Architecture was very well translated in this structure. Le Corb here first induced the idea of breaking away from the traditional architecture in India and giving it a modern edge. The project also introduced the possibilities and strengths of concrete as well as the importance of an open plan. Le corb managed to raise a new kind of imagery in the architectural world with the fenestrations in the facade and the concept ‘free facade’,
2.The National Assembly Building, Bangladesh.
Locally known as The Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, The National Assembly Building of Bangladesh is one of the less celebrated but worth mentioning structures by Architect Louis Kahn. Modernist buildings have spread long the globe, and so has the idea of modernism. The National Assembly Building is an example of the rise of modernism in Bangladesh. Though Bangladesh is not a very well developed country and does not have a strong global representation, this structure fits in very well in the context of its modern aspirations. Modernism holds good in scenarios irrespective of the context, the region, the culture, and traditions. Therefore, this structure stands as a symbol of Bangladesh’s newfound thoughts and independence.
3.The Cayan Tower, Dubai
Designed by SOM, The Cayan Tower is the largest twisting tower in the world as well as a representation of the Middle East to the genre of Modern Architecture. It is this twisted body structure that has managed to dominate Dubai’s skyline. This timeless beauty is also referred to as The Infinity Tower. It is a 75 storied skyscraper and has each floor twisted to 1.2 degrees from the preceding one. These floors are designed around the central elevator core. The Cayan tower today has managed to imprint iconic imagery not only in Dubai but all over the world.
4. The Louvre, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Designed by architect Jean Nouvel, The Louvre, Abu Dhabi is a cross-cultural project curated by the of the Government of Abu Dhabi and France. The Huge dome, which is the iconic imagery of this project is an example of the amalgamation of Arab architecture into the modern concept of the structural dome with modern materials. The project marks the play of light, shadow and calm. This modern structure is indeed a living example of The modern adaptations in the context of the architecture of the Middle east.
