RR 10: The Beginning of Modernism

The origins of Modernism came around 1720, but it was not until the 19th century that Modernism was developed. One of the things that many people don't know about the 19th century architecture is that new architecture was still using precedents from previous architecture. This is not saying that architects were not creative and had a lack of ideas; the issue was that past architecture was still important when developing new buildings. For example, when building a new governmental building it was important to show a Greek element in the building to show a relationship to the Greeks political system. This idea was know as associationalism. Academic eclecticism came around the 1880’s; this was the time were most architects had a college degree and libraries had illustrated books and portfolios to show historical architecture. Modernism began in 1906 and it was totally a different idea. Instead of having ancient architecture, most buildings were plane and roofs were constructed of metal, concrete, and glass.


Sources
http://www.steinerag.com/flw/Books/RobieHouse.htm

http://www.lefigaro.fr/photos/2009/05/07/01013-20090507DIMWWW00539-temples-du-savoir.php

http://chicago.urban-history.org/ven/dss/fields.shtml