Modern architecture has something for everyone. Even if your taste may veer towards the opposite side of the design spectrum (i.e. rustic country)— there are still elements of modern design that will appeal to you. Don’t believe it? After reading this article, you may change your mind.
The fundamentals of modern architecture are clean and simple. Its ever-present philosophy abides to the ideal that form follows function. Therefore, modern architects express themselves through simplicity, clear views of structural elements and by eschewing unnecessary design details.
Modern architecture boasts the actual structure and materials used in the building vs. covering them up with ornate designs. That is why most modern designs feature elements of wood, steel and glass, in order to show-off these industrial structural materials.
What Defines Modern Architecture?
The terms— modern and contemporary — have been intermingled in the design world, resulting in a bit of confusion. A kind of confusion that leads us to ask: Is contemporary architecture/design the same as modern architecture/design? The answer is no, and a little bit of yes. To be very literal, contemporary means now, while modern refers to technological and engineering developments that date back to the turn of the 20th Century.
To keep it simple, modern architecture focuses more on industrial metals such as steel, concrete and glass (innovative industrial developments of the time). While contemporary design may use these same elements, its designs are considered new, re-thought, or forward-thinking. Clear as mud? With all that being said, the two designs will always mix and mingle with one another—even in the images in this article.
Overall, modern architecture is defined by clean lines and minimalist interiors that allow the structure to speak for itself and take center-stage. The image below is a perfect example of clean and simple modern architecture.