Lecture 6: Theory of Design Thinking

How has the world today been effected by the design thoughts of Modenism? Compare current architecture to any one Modernism design though.

Modernism relevant with Contemporary Architecture? Does Modenism effect Contemporary Architecture?

Modernism is a very important style or philosophy of architecture and design of the 20th Century, associated with an analytical approach to the function of building, a strictly rational use of material, an opennes to structural innovation and the elimination of ornamentation. Modernism also encompasses Futurism, Constructivism, De Stijl and Bauhaus. Modenism also come out with a theory of architecture that is "form followed function". Modernism architecture has more focus on the function rather than aesthetic form.

Modernism style always use the rectangular or cubist shapes and minimalism architecture because it has clean line to represent the simplicisty. However, flat and bold roof also one of their design thought to represent the simplicity. Prominent features of modern architecture include open interior floor plan with fewer walls and exterior building materials of glass and steel. Mornism style almost always incorporates the topography of the land it is built on within the design.

So nowadays, most of the architecture improve their design thought from the Modernism. The design thought of Contemporary architecture is more focus on how to use the minimalism to express architecture. They keep it simple, use of flat roof to draw attention. Flat overhanging roof are a common way to add eye-catching design element, while providing additional shady regions adjacent to the structure and still protect the overall structure from the elements. A few bold architects have even gone so far as to add trees to the top of their buildings to facilitate natural cooling and also to create a building that is more harmonious with the natural surroundings and it is called Sustainable Architecture. They also maximize the design of comfort zone to let people exprience the space they created.

The difference between Modernism and Contemporary Architecture

Modernism Architecture

This house features expansive glass in a semi-circular volume, a cantilevered upper floor, corner windows, and a whitewash finish. The aspect of the modern style that is an intentional asymmetry, a departure from the classical bilateral symmentry that was prevalent before the 20th century.

This long and low house is a simple composition of stone and glass floating a top the landscape on a plinth of sorts. The roof overhang, supported by slender round column, shields the full-height glass wall from summer sunlight. Each element such as roofs, wall, plinth are combine to create a strong horizontal compositionn that recalls the modern house of Mies van der Role.

Contemporary Architecture

This MuSh Residence is an obvious departure from the previous project. Instead of white, the solid walls are covered in zinc with randomly spaced reveals. A cantilever is found, but its relationship to the main volume is more complex and it is offset by a notch on the other side. The house may be boxy and flat-roofed like most modern architecture, but its idiosyncrasies make it contemporary through and through. The shorter volume has the same skin and literal expression of circulation via glass. The composition is much more free-form than modern buildings.

Skyline Residence in Los Angeles uses architectural elements to cut down on direct sunlight. Yet the design by Belzberg Architects articulates the horizontal wood planks in a manner that is contemporary. They angle and overlap, giving a feather like appearance. The form of the house is also quite interesting and the front of the house gives an indication of what is going on: the second-story cantilever creates a carport but also a surface for watching films, something quite LA. This "drive-in theater" represents a hybrid condition: it's a house and a cinema. This further roots the house in a contemporary style rather than a modern one, since the latter preserved distinctions between various aspects of life.

Full-height glazing does not solely a modern building make. What at first looks like a glass box framed in red is a contemporary interpretation of one, sheared and shifted in the middle. Here the ribbon-like continuity of the stucco-red frame is the most overt expression, a sharp departure from the clear structure and framing of modern houses.

In conclusion, both architecture style have their own characteristic to be express. Architecture Style will evolve by the era, because only evolve will make the new thing and create a better architecture to overcome previous failure.