Lately, there is a renewed interest in Modern Architecture. Many concepts of this new architecture were introduced at the beginning of the 20th century through master architects of the Bauhaus Movement such and Meis Van der Rohe and Walter Gropius and Le Corbusier. Modern Architecture is defined by clean lines and is free of clutter and unnecessary elements. It is based upon new construction methods using glass, steel and concrete. Structures using columns rather than structural walls allowed open plans and walls of glass.
Today’s hectic and complicated lifestyles have led to a trend where many homeowners are also seeking to create places of tranquility. They are looking at Modernism for the clarity and simplicity of its’ design and focusing on the beauty of well-proportioned spaces that are multi-functional.
A distinctive quality of Modern Architecture is open floor plans which still offer advantages for today’s lifestyles. These open floor plans accommodate multifunctional spaces easily. Houses are expensive to build and there is a real financial need to combine spaces. Dining spaces can exist within an overall living area rather than being separate rarely used rooms. Kitchens double as living spaces. Today’s kitchen cabinetry trends are focusing on cabinetry that looks like furniture. Appliances are fully integrated with cabinetry to disappear. Today’s families are busy; often two parents are working and children have schedules that rival a CEO with extracurricular activities that run the gamut. Open multifunctional spaces allow for family socialization while cooking meals or to keep an eye on smaller children.
Along with open floor plans, Modern Architects advocated natural light. Through the use of large windows and skylights an abundance of natural light was created. Natural light also improves your mood and resets your circadian rythms. Large expanses of glass also make even a modest interior space feel open and airy.
Windows also create a connection between the indoors and outdoors which grounds you in your natural environment. Modern Homes often expands upon this connection by using natural materials. The use of natural materials in Modern Architecture was a cornerstone of Frank Lloyd Wrights Architecture. Through, harmony with nature is created. Harmony with nature improves human physiology by calming life’s stresses.
Most people would say that there ultimate goal is to achive happiness. Modern Architecture tells us that simplicity and harmony, rather than the accumulation of more, is the key to helping achieve this.