International Style
Origins and Development
The International Style, also known as International Modern or Modernist Architecture, is a major architectural style that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s. The term was first used by Henry-Russell Hitchcock and Philip Johnson in their 1932 exhibition and accompanying book, "The International Style: Architecture Since 1922", held at the MoMA in New York City. The style is characterized by an emphasis on volume over mass, the use of lightweight, mass-produced, industrial materials, rejection of all ornament and color, repetitive modular forms, and the use of flat surfaces, typically alternating with areas of glass.
Characteristics
The International Style is marked by the following characteristics:
- Form follows function: This principle, associated with the modernist dictum coined by Louis Sullivan, implies that the result of design should derive directly from its purpose. In the International Style, the design of buildings is reduced to their essence, free of superfluous ornamentation.
- Emphasis on volume: Unlike traditional architecture, which was based on a solid mass, the International Style is based on the use of interior space, or volume. This is often achieved through the use of cantilever construction.
- Lightness and transparency: The use of steel and glass allows for buildings to have a sense of lightness and transparency. This is often coupled with the use of open floor plans and large windows to allow for natural light to penetrate the interior.
- Lack of ornamentation: The International Style rejects the use of ornamentation or decoration. Instead, it emphasizes the materials used in construction, such as concrete, steel, and glass.
- Use of modern materials and techniques: The International Style embraces the use of modern, industrial materials like steel and glass, and techniques such as the use of prefabricated parts.
Notable Architects and Works
Several architects and architectural firms are notable for their contributions to the International Style. Among these are Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe, and Walter Gropius, all of whom were associated with the Bauhaus School in Germany before its closure by the Nazis in 1933.
Le Corbusier's Villa Savoye in Poissy, France, is a prime example of the International Style. Built between 1928 and 1931, the Villa Savoye is characterized by its simple geometric forms, open floor plan, and use of industrial materials.
Mies van der Rohe's Seagram Building in New York City, completed in 1958, is another iconic example of the International Style. The building's design is marked by its steel frame structure, non-ornamental design, and large windows.
Gropius, as the founder of the Bauhaus School, greatly influenced the development of the International Style. His design for the Bauhaus Building in Dessau, Germany, is a testament to the principles of the style.
Influence and Legacy
The International Style had a significant impact on the development of architecture. It represented a radical departure from traditional architectural forms and practices, and its influence can be seen in the design of many modern buildings.
The style's emphasis on function and efficiency, as well as its use of modern materials and construction techniques, have been adopted by many architects and designers. The International Style has also influenced the development of several other architectural styles, including Brutalism, Minimalism, and High-tech architecture.
Despite its influence, the International Style has also been criticized for its lack of individuality and its disregard for local architectural traditions and contexts. These criticisms have led to a reevaluation of the style and its principles in recent years.