Modernism

What happened

In the 20th century, modernist architects rejected historical ornament in favor of clean lines, open plans, and 'form follows function.' At the German Bauhaus school and in the work of pioneers like Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe, a new International Style emerged — steel, glass, and concrete buildings stripped to their essentials, which spread across the world's cities.

Why it matters

Modernism transformed the built environment of the entire planet, from glass office towers to mass housing. Its stark, functional aesthetic defined the look of the modern world and still shapes how we build today.

Sources

• The J. Paul Getty Trust. What Is Modern Architecture, Anyway? · Reputable source