Important Trends in Architecture of the 20th and 21st Centuries

Modern architecture is easily recognized by characteristics such as exposed steel structures and simple and clean geometry in construction. The design process pays homage to the motto less is more. In general, the typical shape of modernist buildings is square, with a very limited colour palette used. The interior of the buildings imitates the exterior: open with few decorative elements and functional furniture.

This particular design, with its ideals and teachings, got the ball rolling so to speak. Modernism shaped and greatly influenced the thinking and understanding of many architects and designers of the styles that followed. It was a revolutionary time for architecture and design, but the minds behind the movement likely had absolutely no idea of the significance it would have for generations to come.

The Bauhaus style developed during the Modernism period and is undoubtedly one of the most recognized architectural movements in history. It became a worldwide phenomenon—it represented the rejection of (at the time incredibly popular) historicism with its ornamental and rather playful character. Instead, it followed a more practical, honest and contemporary-oriented design. Some of the most famous examples of modern architecture and modern design were designed and built at this time and the principle of form follows function, which is still valid today, was also coined at that time.

The International Style touched the world of design in all areas: from industrial design to graphic design and art. Often referred to as the Swiss style, this design movement features a muted colour palette, open interiors, strong geometry, and buildings that appear weightless and light. Concrete, glass, steel, and prefabricated elements were also the preferred materials.

The basic idea was to encourage the growth and promotion of mass housing within cities to address urban and social problems arising from rapidly increasing populations. The style was relatively easy to copy and repeat and did not require complicated aesthetic considerations in its early stages of development. Nonetheless, the International Style is of significant importance for architecture and design today.

Originating in the late 1970s, Structural Expressionism (also called late modern or high-tech architecture ) is a direct reaction to the beginning of the technological age.

After the Second World War had ended more than 25 years ago and the first moon landings had been completed, a surplus of materials arose for the first time as a result of the excessive production orders in factories. After the political world had finally calmed down, people began to build and explore forms and shapes that no one had ever seen before. Steel and glass were the dominant materials of this era and the open demonstration of a building's load-bearing structures is considered to be characteristic.

The postmodern architectural period was followed by the era of deconstructivism, which made the deconstruction of the constructed its motto. Frank Gehry is one of the best-known representatives of this architectural style and carries it out again and again with the utmost precision. The key feature of this architecture is external surfaces that appear curved, folded and disproportionately distorted. The aim of these striking architectural forms was, in turn, to reject the previous architecture and to show alternatives to maxims such as form follows function and material justice.

Given the current state of our environment from an ecological point of view, it is only natural that architects and designers are turning away from the overbuilt and consumerist culture-driven concepts of the past and working more in favour of sustainable concepts.

Recycled material that would normally end up in landfills as building material, sensible insulation of building walls and windows that ensure pleasant temperatures in summer and keep the cold out in winter, solar-powered heating and electricity systems—these are the new maxims in architecture! With this comes hope for smarter use of resources and more regenerative impulses for the future.