Whether you lot know it or not, you’ve seen an international style abode before. These buildings hold off impressively modern, silent their concept has stood the examination of time. We’ve been marveling over feats of international style architecture for the past times 4 decades.
With that inwards mind, nosotros decided to create got an in-depth hold off at what makes these structures then unique. Keep reading to larn to a greater extent than close the history behind this architectural movement, equally good equally for an explanation of about of the defining characteristics of its buildings. By the destination of this post, you’ll know certainly whether or non you’re a fan of the international style.
International style homes are a result, inwards part, of the Industrial Revolution. Image: Charlie & Co. Design, Ltd
History of the international style home
Like most architectural styles, international style homes tin move seen equally a rejection of the trends of its fourth dimension period. During the 1920s in addition to 1930s inwards Europe, in that place was an emphasis on eclectic buildings that hosted a mix of decorative elements from different architectural periods. Architects of the fourth dimension were starting to search for ways to create less ornamental in addition to to a greater extent than utilitarian designs.
As luck would create got it, at the same time, the Industrial Revolution brought close a host of novel edifice materials such equally mass-produced atomic position out 26 in addition to steel. These materials meant that architects similar Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in addition to J.J.P. Oud were able to create structures inwards which the shape in addition to aesthetics were dictated past times a wish to push the boundaries of structural engineering, rather than decoration.
With the advent of World War II, international style came to the U.S.A. along amongst its architects, who were hoping to escape persecution. There, it stayed the dominant architectural style until the 1970s, when architects began to acquire frustrated amongst international style’s formulaic, “boxy” appearance.
What makes international style then unique
The departure betwixt the international style abode in addition to many of the other types of architecture that we’ll utter close inwards our “What Classifies Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 Home Style” serial is that alone a small-scale per centum of these buildings are residential homes. By in addition to large, these buildings are used for commercial purposes. In fact, if nosotros had to shout upwardly of 1 type of edifice that was synonymous amongst international style architecture, it would move the American skyscraper.
With that inwards mind, about famous international style buildings include:
- The World Trade Center (New York, New York)
- The Museum of Modern Art (New York, New York)
- Willis Tower (Chicago, Illinois)
- Villa Savoye (Poissy, France)
- The Design Museum (London, England)
- Glaspaleis (Heerlen, Netherlands)
Defining characteristics of international style homes
Since international style homes are then uniform inwards their design, it’s particularly crucial to hold off at the defining characteristics that necktie them together. With these homes, there’s piffling ornamentation to speak of then most of the similarity comes through their form. Below is a listing of identifying features:
Exterior
- Rectangular shape
- Flat roof
- Utilitarian materials such equally concrete, steel in addition to glass
- Smooth, untextured surfaces
- Rounded corners
- A “weightless” quality, equally if parts are floating
Interior
- One or to a greater extent than stories
- Open flooring plans
- Continuation of utilitarian materials (e.g. concrete floors)
- Large, floor-to-ceiling windows