Interior Design History : Looking at the Emergence into Modernism

Modernist architecture is attributed to the modernist movements that sprung about at the turn of the 20th century. New architectural styles emerged, as well as many architects and designers that are renown today. The new technologies in industry and materials, as well as a want for growth in new developments led to the style movements created within.

Frank Lloyd Wright

One of the greatest pioneers of the modernist movement is in thanks to Frank Lloyd Wright. He sparked his own architectural practice in 1893 in IL. His designs were based on "organic" architecture, non-historic precedence and original design. He developed a square grid system in which to organize privacy within a home. This grid system is still used today in many ways.

Several of his most famous first structures are here in IL and include, the Robie House, the Rookery, and the Unity Temple.

The De Stijl movement

This design movement also started at the turn of the century, originating in the Netherlands. Meaning "The Style," this design focused on a utopian ideal of harmony and order. Clean horizontal and vertical lines created simple visual compositions. The use of black and white is most prevalent, with the primary colors as sole pops of color. Most noted is architect Gerrit Rietveld and his Schroder House built in 1924. The interior shows clear lines and use of black and white with primary pops of color. The interior also had movable walls for flexibility within the spaces.

International Style

These emerging design styles often became coined into one term, international style. Radical design movements of simplifying form and removing ornament drove this style. The 1932 MoMA exhibition held in NYC is considered the most influential exhibition in the history of architecture thus far. New building materials such as glass, steel, and concrete were mainly used. Honest construction, transparency of buildings, and mass-production techniques were all considered in these new structures. Notable architects include: Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies VanDerRohe, Walter Gropius, and Le Corbusier.