Architecture in the Early 20th Century: Minimalism, Functionanality, and Elegant Simplicity
- Zoe Chang
- Feb 21
- 2 min read
By Tyger Byun ('28)
That form should follow function was the prevailing idea of architects from the early and mid 20th century. From Le Corbusier’s harsh but functional brutalist designs to Frank Lloyd Wright’s graceful blending of American nature and manmade creations. Therefore, It is clear to see how modern architecture brought the profession of architecture into the modern age. Without the pioneers of the early 20th century, we would still be stuck with ornate and beautiful but unexceptional buildings.
Louis Sullivan:
Louis Sullivan is known for pioneering the modern skyscraper in Chicago during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His architecture can be seen as a turning point in architecture, as his buildings still maintain the ornamentation of older European styles (e.g the Auditorium Building in Chicago). However, he also experimented with more plain styles that incorporated simpler forms such as rectangular prisms, as seen with Wainwright State Office Building. The new material that allowed him to explore architecture in skyscraper form was steel. During the Gilded Age, steelmakers refined the process of steelmaking, allowing the steel price to drop. This innovation allowed for steel’s mass use in taller buildings which needed sturdier materials like steel. One of his most well known pupils was Frank Lloyd Wright, who, instead of building upwards, pioneered his horizontal Prairie style of architecture.
Frank Lloyd Wright:
Frank Lloyd Wright continued the progress of modernism, building structures that ignored the traditional European styles of architecture. His main style was Prairie style, which focused on blending architecture with the local natural environment by using straight, horizontal lines and earthy tones. Possibly the most well-known of his works is Fallingwater, built in the 1930’s. It gracefully sits on top of a waterfall and almost looks as though it is a rock feature jutting out over the stream. However, Wright was not only known for his works that blended with nature. For example, the Guggenheim museum lies right in the heart of New York City, jutting out from the concrete jungle of the city. It is of a pristine white colour, and, unlike the prairie style, mainly uses curved structures.
Le Corbusier:
Brutalism defines Le Corbusier’s work: It features grey, monotone colours and lack of ornamentation. To many, it defines the lowest point in architecture, the most ugly of all styles. However, Le Corbusier manages to utilise this style to make this functionalist style beautiful in its form. The planned city of Chandigarh features large plazas and grand buildings, commanding awe in the viewer. However, Le Corbusier’s work does not have to be grand in nature. The Notre-Dame-de-Haut church in France features broad curves and plain white walls that make the church look like a large boulder jutting from the French countryside, a graceful blending of nature and human ingenuity.
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