International Style | The Birth of Modern Architecture

[Anna Klein]

Overview​

The International Style emerged in the 1920s as one of the most influential architectural movements of the 20th century. Born from the principles of the Bauhaus School and developed by pioneers like Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Walter Gropius, this style set the foundation for modernist architecture across the globe.

Prioritizing function over ornamentation, the International Style embraced industrial materials, clean lines, and open, flexible spaces—a radical departure from the heavily decorated architecture of the 19th century.

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Key Features​

• Form Follows Function:
  • Architecture focused on the building’s purpose without unnecessary decoration.
• Geometric Forms:
  • Emphasis on simple, rectangular, and boxy shapes.
• Open Interiors:
  • Flexible floor plans supported by skeletal frames rather than load-bearing walls.
• Industrial Materials:
  • Extensive use of glass, steel, and reinforced concrete.
• Minimal Ornamentation:
  • Clean, undecorated facades.
• Flat Roofs:
  • Rejection of traditional pitched roofs.

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Origins and Development​

• 1927: The "Weissenhof Estate" in Stuttgart, Germany, designed by leading modernists including Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe.
• 1932: The term "International Style" was coined by Philip Johnson and Henry-Russell Hitchcock for a MoMA exhibition in New York.
• Post-WWII: Rapid global spread, influencing the skylines of cities worldwide.

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Legacy and Influence​

• Corporate Modernism:
  • The style became the preferred architecture for skyscrapers and corporate offices.
• Global Reach:
  • From New York to Tokyo, the International Style’s ideals were embraced by architects seeking a universal modernist language.
• Enduring Impact:
  • Many contemporary minimalist and functionalist approaches are rooted in the International Style.

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Notable Examples​

• Villa Savoye (France) — Le Corbusier
• Seagram Building (New York) — Mies van der Rohe
• Bauhaus Dessau (Germany) — Walter Gropius

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Key Architects​

• Le Corbusier
• Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
• Walter Gropius

These architects not only defined the International Style but also influenced modern urbanism and design philosophy.

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YouTube Videos​

1. What is the International Style?
   
   video by Art History 101
   
   
2. The International Style in Architecture
   
   video by NYC Office of General Services