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Modern Architecture Characteristics

February 27, 2019 by carole Leave a Comment

I am in a tizzy with the vast amount of modern architecture I’ve seen this past week.

Modernism week did not disappoint but this year I saw more examples of modern architecture than ever before. I toured condominium complexes centered around a pool, classic commercial buildings and grand homes evocative of the Palm Springs lifestyle.

mid century modern architecture open living room pool area
Is there anything more Palm Springs than to belly up to the bar?

While modern architecture is a movement with various definitions and complex ideas, it’s interesting to consider the influence on the United States. First of all, it became an important new style of architecture and design for the 20th century. Modern architecture refers to similar buildings that emerged between the 1920s and 1950s. It first took off in Europe, making its way into the American style. Finally, the style became characterised by function and efficient use of space, clean lines and simplified look, minimal ornamentation compared to traditional styles, and use of new materials and structural innovation.

Function and Efficient Use of Space

I loved seeing houses, particularly those with lower square footage, that used space in new ways for the time. The common thread amongst a lot of these homes includes an open floor plan, connecting rooms together. As modernist Le Corbusier declared, “A house is a machine for living in.”  Therefore, why not live in all of it?

In the case of California, modern architecture connects indoor and outdoor living.

Morse House Palm Springs
Original doors that roll open to combine the living room and side patio, creating a generous area for entertaining.
outdoor water feature with walkway over water
Enclosed entrance area that showcases a walkway over a water feature.

Clean Lines and Simplified Look

Flat roofs and bold, angular roofs contribute to the clean lines associated with modern architecture. The linear aspect of large, open glass and vaulted interior ceilings add to the look of this type of architecture. In addition, the repetition of these lines are important to the overall modernist scheme, as pictured below.

modern entrace hall foyer
The long line of this entrance hall are repeated on the walls and ceiling.
modern living area with open walls of glass
The entrance hall empties into the living area with angular, clean lines and large open lines of glass.
mid century modern Morse House Palm Springs
Reverse view of this living room reveal the tall lines of entrance doors at end of hallway.

Minimal Ornamentation

Crown molding and other decorative elements typically do not show up in modern architecture. Built-ins often comprise flat front doors and are less fussy than other styles. Mantels additionally exhibit minimal ornamentation compared to more heavily ornate versions from the past. 

modern low fireplace mantel
The mantel in Frank Sinatra’s original Palm Springs home, seen here behind the chairs.
minimalist modern terrazzo fireplace design
Terrazzo, minimalist fireplace design as seen at Modernism Week Showhouse with living room design by Joe Lucas.

New Materials and Structural Innovation

Metal, glass and exposed concrete give modernist architecture a more utilitarian vibe. Metal surrounding expanses of glass and concrete structural blocks figure prominently in the Palm Springs scene. 

Morse House Palm Springs
The concrete screen blocks in front of this house signify so much of the desert lifestyle and provide sun protection.
modern architecture frank sinatra house palm springs
The entrance to the Frank Sinatra house show steel columns and lots of glass.
Kirk Douglas Palm Springs house entrance hall foyer
Use of tile material which was uncovered during a renovation at the Kirk Douglas house.

More decorative elements to follow next blog. I also wrote extensively about Palm Springs here and here, if you’re so inclined. xo

 

 

 

 

 

 

                        

 

 

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