2.2.5. Contemporary style & Digital Era [1950 - present]

Post-World War II, the international style flourished in the US for commercial buildings, as evident in the Seagram Building designed by Mies van der Rohe, a champion of minimalism famous for his aphorism 'less is more'.

After World War II, there was a notable rise in a design movement known as the 'International Style'. This became popular in the United States, especially for commercial buildings. A prime example of this style is the Seagram Building, which was designed by Mies van der Rohe. He is famously associated with the minimalist approach that emphasizes simplicity and functionality. His mantra, 'less is more', encapsulates the essence of this architectural philosophy, which avoids unnecessary ornamentation and focuses on the essential elements of design.

Think of the International Style like a well-organized desk. Just as a clean and clutter-free workspace helps you focus on your tasks efficiently, buildings designed in this style eliminate distractions with their simple forms and straight lines, allowing the user to appreciate their function without being overwhelmed by decorative features.

But soon, in the 1960’s, there was an antagonism towards the bleakness of modernism, and newer trends, such as the introduction of the principles of Beaux Arts style by Louis Kahn and Eero Saarinen; and the need to focus on placemaking, with local conditions and contexts through incorporation of vernacular by Robert Venturi, who published ‘Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture’, gave rise to the Post-Modernism.

As the 1960s approached, architects began to react against the strict principles of modernism, feeling that it lacked warmth and character. This led to the emergence of Post-Modernism, which embraced an eclectic mix of styles and historical references. Notable architects like Louis Kahn and Eero Saarinen started to integrate principles from the Beaux Arts style, emphasizing beauty and context in their designs. Robert Venturi contributed significantly with his work 'Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture', advocating for a richer architectural language that included historical references and local culture, highlighting the importance of placemaking in architecture.

Imagine decorating a room: modernism would be like a minimalist design with a single color scheme and few furnishings. In contrast, post-modernism would be like a vibrant room filled with a variety of textures, patterns, and historical or personal touches, creating an engaging and visually stimulating environment that tells a story.

It challenged its predecessor with asymmetry, ornamentation, historical details and familiar motifs, and was characterised by eclectic inspirations and kitsch aesthetics, with focus more on form over function. Some of the notable examples are, the Lotus Temple in New Delhi, the Sydney Opera House, and the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, by pioneer Frank O’Gehry.

Post-Modern architecture is known for its departure from the clean lines and simplicity of modernism. It features asymmetrical designs, ornamental details, and a mixture of historical styles, oftentimes creating visually complex structures. This style values aesthetics, resulting in designs that may be whimsical or playful. Examples include the curvilinear form of the Sydney Opera House and the fantastical design of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao by Frank O'Gehry, known for his sculptural forms that challenge conventional architectural norms.

Post-modern architecture can be likened to a mixed-cuisine restaurant where various culinary traditions combine to create innovative dishes. Just as this restaurant serves an assortment of flavors, post-modern buildings blend various architectural styles to create new and unique experiences that are visually arresting and engaging for viewers.

The concept of modularity was also catching on, with Archigram collective proposing a mega-scale modular concept called Plug-in City in 1964 and Shafie Moshdie designing the Habitat 67, a modular experimental housing.

The 1960s also saw the rise of modular architecture, which emphasizes the use of standardized units or modules that can be assembled in various configurations. Archigram, a collective of architects, put forth a futuristic concept known as 'Plug-in City'. This radical proposal envisioned a city made of interchangeable parts that could evolve over time. Similarly, Habitat 67, designed by architect Shafie Moshdie, demonstrated modular design on a smaller scale by providing adaptable housing units that could cater to smaller families while promoting community living.

Think about how LEGO blocks work: individual pieces can be put together in countless ways to create different structures. Just like how children use these blocks to build their creations, modular architecture allows designers to piece together various building components, offering flexibility and encouraging innovation in urban design.

In Japan, the ‘Metabolism’ style developed, focusing on modularity, flexibility and interchangeable units, as exemplified by the Nagakin Capsule Tower designed by Kisha Kurokawa in 1972.

The Metabolism movement originated in Japan during the 1960s and 70s, emphasizing the idea that architecture should be organic and capable of growth and change. It introduced the concept of buildings being constructed from modular units that could be added, removed, or reconfigured as societal needs evolved. The Nagakin Capsule Tower is a prime example, made up of individual capsules that serve as accommodation units, representing a vision of urban living that can adapt to the needs of its inhabitants.

Consider a tree that grows and adapts to its environment; similarly, Metabolism architecture envisions buildings that can 'grow' or change over time. Just as branches can be pruned or added without harming the tree, modular architecture allows for the restructuring of living spaces to meet the dynamic needs of urban residents.

Meanwhile in India, between 1950’s-70’s, the young nation also felt the ripples of these movements, with the vision of setting up a model city – Chandigarh. The task of designing a modern yet culturally sensitive aesthetic, Le Corbusier devised the city’s masterplan by applying the concept of Unité d'Habitation.

During the 1950s to 1970s, India aimed to modernize while embracing its cultural heritage. Chandigarh was designed as a model city, with the famous architect Le Corbusier leading its planning. He adopted the concept of 'Unité d'Habitation', which focuses on providing a self-sufficient community with residential, commercial, and recreational spaces integrated into the urban fabric. Le Corbusier’s designs for Chandigarh emphasized functionality, simplicity, and a connection to the surrounding environment, reflecting India’s newfound identity as an independent nation.

You can think of Chandigarh like a well-organized library. Just as a library arranges books and study spaces for optimal use and accessibility, the design of Chandigarh was structured to provide residents everything they need within the city, promoting a harmonious way of living that respects both modern needs and cultural values.

The introduction and widespread adoption of the use of CAD software between the 1960’s – 1990’s led to the widening of architectural styles beyond post-modernism to high-tech or Structural expressionism.

The advent of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software revolutionized architecture from the 1960s through the 1990s. CAD facilitated the creation of more complex and innovative designs, which evolved beyond post-modernism into new styles like high-tech architecture and Structural Expressionism. This approach emphasizes showcasing a building's structural elements openly and using advanced materials and technology. It allows architects to experiment with shapes, materials, and structures, leading to iconic buildings characterized by transparency and bold designs.

Imagine using advanced software to create a 3D model of your dream home. Just as CAD allows you to visualize and redefine your home's design with precision, its application in architecture has enabled designers to push boundaries and create extraordinary buildings that reflect both modern technology and creative expression.

The World Trade Centre (1971) in New York by Yamasaki, the Centre Pompidou (1977) in Paris by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, and the Burj al Arab (1991) by Tom Wright are some famous examples.

Several remarkable buildings emerged during the contemporary era, demonstrating the advancements in architectural design and technology. The World Trade Centre, designed by architect Yamasaki, featured innovative use of steel and glass, making it one of the defining skyscrapers of New York City. The Centre Pompidou in Paris, created by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, showcases a unique exterior design with visible structural elements and colorful ductwork. Additionally, the Burj al Arab, designed by Tom Wright, stands out as a luxury hotel with its distinctive sail-like shape, representing a bold expression of architectural identity in Dubai.

These buildings can be likened to a series of iconic outfits worn by celebrities, each one crafted to stand out while highlighting the unique style of its designer. Just as these outfits become symbols of creativity and boldness, contemporary architecture showcases the innovative spirit and technological advancements of the era through its diverse and striking forms.

Hand in hand, another trend of the present times, propelled by the development of CAD and other design tools, is Parametricism.

Parametricism is a design movement characterized by the use of algorithmic equations and computational tools to generate architectural forms. This trend gained momentum alongside advancements in CAD software and allows architects to create complex and fluid designs that adapt based on variables and parameters. It draws inspiration from earlier pioneers like Frei Otto and Antoni Gaudi, while prominent figures such as Zaha Hadid have further popularized this movement. Parametric design not only provides aesthetic appeal but also encourages efficiency and sustainability in architecture.

Think of parametric design like cooking with a recipe that can be modified based on available ingredients. Just as chefs can adjust recipes according to what they have on hand, architects can use parameters and algorithms to adjust their designs for different environments and requirements, resulting in unique structures that blend beauty with practical functionality.

While using parametric design not only enables designers to optimise the planning and improve efficiency of the design, attempts to incorporate sustainability factors is currently being pursued by noted firms.

Contemporary architecture increasingly emphasizes sustainability, seeking to minimize the environmental impact of buildings. With the aid of parametric design tools, architects can optimize building efficiency while integrating sustainable practices. Notable architecture firms are focused on developing designs that reduce energy consumption and utilize natural resources effectively. Projects such as the OPPO R&D headquarters demonstrate how architecture can blend innovative aesthetics with eco-friendly functionalities, showcasing a trend toward environmentally responsible design in the contemporary architectural landscape.

Imagine a car designed to run on both traditional and renewable energy sources. Similarly, contemporary architecture aims to blend cutting-edge design with practical sustainability, allowing buildings to not only be visually appealing and innovative but also responsible for minimizing their ecological footprint.

--