Emergence of Modernism

The International Style emerged in the 1920's and 1930's and got its name from a book by Henry-Russell Hitchcock and Philip Johnson, The International Style. The three principles that were specified in the book were the expression of volume rather than mass, the emphasis on balance rather than preconceived symmetry, and the expulsion of applied ornament. These principles really became the foundation for the modern style.

The four main architects of this period were Walter Gropius, Marcel Breuer, Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright.

Frank Lloyd Wright played a huge part in the Emergence of Modernism. He designed over 1000 structures. He had two phases Early Wright and Later Wright. His practice started in Oak Park, Illinois. He designed numerous houses throughout his career.

Robie House

Unity Temple

He used public and private areas within the homes. He made sure even the average person got a beautiful home with the environment incorporated into it. 

One of my favorite examples of this period was the Farnsworth house designed by Mies van der Rohe. He designed it for a woman named Edith Farnsworth. The house was made of glass and steel which was very common during this period. It only has one room as it was designed to be a weekend get-away home. The house is currently a museum open to the public.

I really liked Mies van der Rohe's furniture designs. He really emphasized the whole concept of the International Style. His designs were very simple and used a lot of steel and glass.

Walter Gropius' style was unornamented, functional and had an industrial feel to it. He formed the Bauhaus school. It later closed due to economic and political problems.

Current Applications:

I looked at Katie's blog and I liked how she broke it up and talked about each architect individually. It really helped me understand each style. Her current applications were also very interesting and intriguing! I also looked at Nicole's blog and I specifically liked how she described the history of this period, it helped a lot with understanding how it all started. I also liked her current applications!

Deutscher Werkbund Movement

The Deutscher Werkbund Movement began in Munich, Germany and then later developed in Vienna, Austria and Berlin, Germany. It was similar to the Arts and Crafts Movement in the sense of protesting against artistic establishment. However, they did use machines during this time. There was a lot of collaboration between the designer and product manufacturer during the design process in order to increase the quality of the design outcome.

The Vienna Secession was an important part of this period. This was when artists, sculptors and architects all protested against historicism. They were housed in the Secession Building built by Joseph Olbrich. The building was very simple but the gold accents made it unique.

One of the participants of the Secession was Otto Wagner. He was a man from Austria and taught at the Vienna Academy. He designed furniture that reflected his style and architecture.

This is one of the chairs he designed. It has metal braces and usually aluminum or brass shoes. It is very sophisticated and defined.

Josef Hoffmann was also a participant in the Vienna Secession. He was an architect and designer that designed furniture, textiles and glass work.

This is the Morris chair designed by Josef Hoffmann. They usually have a laquered back and a light caned seat.

Current Applications:

This is a link to a video about Otto Wagner and his work. It is a little lengthy but gives some good insight to what his designs were like. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF2IPZC2sio

Responses:

I looked at Allison's blog and I liked how she put a lot of focus on the chairs during this period. It helped me understand how each one was different and the characteristics of each. Also, she did a good job at explaining the history of the movement.

I also looked at Ali's blog and her pictures of the current applications were just amazing. I love that style and would definitely have my house designed like that. Her explanation of the Secession building was also very informational and helpful!