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Modernism
Style Definition
The most common building style worldwide, standard modernism has evolved
from utilitarian forms introduced in the 19th century. Modernist buildings
are generally simple in design and lack any applied ornament. Their
architecture is basically a modification of the International Style but is
less strict in its geometry.
After about 1960 modernism began to play
more freely with shapes and structures, producing a wider variety of
designs including cylindrical buildings, sloping roofs, and unusual
shapes. This trend runs parallel to Postmodernism, which rebelled against
the strictness of modernism by reviving historical tropes; but during this
period the aesthetic and economic advantages of simplicity kept modernism
alive in all parts of the world.
One of the leading proponents of modernism
is the architecture firm Walter
Gropius, which has also worked in other styles but is closely
associated with the evolution of 20th century modernism. An equivalent
firm in the Far East is the Japanese company Nikken
Sekkei Ltd., and one of the most famous design firms of the late
modern period is The
Stubbins Associates, Inc., architects of Yokohama Landmark Tower and
Citigroup Center.
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