Modern Architecture: what it is, history and its characteristics!

Art and architecture go hand in hand, each inspiring the other. Modern architecture was no different. Born from the modernist movement, this is a style that uses simple elements to create surprising compositions. The modernist movement was an artistic trend of the 20th century that featured more critical works at a time when the world was undergoing technological transformations and social inequalities were more evident and criticized. When we think of modern architecture, some big names stand out, especially in Brazil. Lina Bo Bardi, Paulo Mendes da Rocha, Oscar Niemeyer, Vilanovas Artigas and Lúcio Costa are examples of architects who innovated with the movement both here in Brazil and around the world. whole. Next, learn more about modern architecture!

What is Modern Architecture?

Modern Architecture is a very broad avant-garde movement whose main foundation is to use simple items for surprising constructions with designs ahead of their time. In the 20th century, this movement gained strength with a proposal that was the opposite of the traditional architectural projects of the time. The premise was to use everything that was simple to create works that did not go unnoticed. The aspects of Modern Architecture stand out for the mixture of the ideals of the Modern Age combined with a new means of production coming from the Industrial Revolution .

Difference between modern and contemporary architecture

Many people think that Modern and Contemporary Architecture are synonymous, but the truth is that they are not the same thing . Modern Architecture is influenced by avant-garde ideals between the years 1930 to 50. Contemporary Architecture has a strong influence from the Contemporary Age , dating from 1980 to the present day.

History of Modern Architecture in Brazil

In Brazil, Modern Architecture was born in Rio de Janeiro. According to architect and historian Guilherme Wisnik , it emerged in the 1930s under the auspices of Le Corbusier, the "purist", heavily influenced by the Modern Art Week that took place a few years earlier, in 1922. Le Corbusier is an architect who inspired Modern Architecture throughout the world. To this day, his five pillars are taken into consideration by many scholars and practitioners of the movement. They are:

• Facades without partitions and open to the public, making the space more democratic;
• Integrated environments that interact with each other;
• Garden terrace;
• Ample lighting with windows that cover all or part of the facade;
• Pilotis that replace structural walls, leaving a wider space for circulation.

Importance of the Bauhaus School for Modern Architecture

A German school became very well-known in the 20th century for its strong influence on Modern Architecture. Considered the first design school in the world, the works created by this institution used prefabricated materials to simplify volumes, geometry and straight lines . One of the pillars, like the large windows, was born in this school. The school was closed in 1933 due to Nazi threats , which forced several of the artists and architects to leave the country and take with them the ideals learned during that period, spreading the teachings to other places.

Modernist architects: great names who made history in Brazil

Modernist architecture in Brazil served as a great inspiration for the world, with great works by architects who made - and still make - history with their innovative projects. Below, we have selected the main names in Brazilian modern architecture. Check it out!

Lucio Costa

Born in France, the son of a Brazilian admiral of the Brazilian Navy who traveled a lot, Lúcio Costa came to Brazil in 1917. He is considered a pioneer in Brazilian Modern Architecture . During his career, the architect became director of the National School of Fine Arts - where he met student Oscar Niemeyer - to teach about the modernist movement (which at the time was not well accepted by the academic community).

Architect, politician, intellectual, teacher... these were some of the great contributions that João Batista Vilanova Artigas left as a legacy. Also one of the pioneers of Modern Architecture in Brazil , he belonged to a movement known as the Paulista School - where he designed memorable buildings that made history! The architect's 50 years of experience have left around 700 works for history, some of which include the Zezinho Magalhães Prado Housing Complex in Guarulhos and the FAU - USP Headquarters.

Oscar Niemeyer

One of the pioneers of the modernist movement in Brazil, Le Corbusier's apprentice, Oscar Niemeyer made history in Brazil and the world with his works. He left a legacy of over 600 modern works . His trademark was concrete buildings with large windows (which characterize one of Le Corbusier's modernist pillars). Buildings such as Copan, the National Congress and the Anhembi Sambadrome are some of Niemeyer's works that are prominent today. >> Relive 12 works by Oscar Niemeyer in Brazil and around the world

Lina Bo Bardi

Born in Rome, Lina Bo Bardi came to Brazil after World War II when her studio in Milan was bombed. Together with her husband, the architect gained her citizenship and left true jewels for modern Brazilian architecture , especially in São Paulo. Her projects are still remembered and praised to this day. Sesc Pompéia, MASP and her precious Glass House are perfect examples of Lina's modernist architecture. >> Relive 5 Brazilian works by Lina Bo Bardi

Paul Mendes da Rocha

Architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha is a Brazilian modernist architect who has won several awards, including the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale, the Imperial Prize for the Arts in Japan, the RIBA Gold Medal and the Pritzker Prize in 2006 . With famous projects, especially in São Paulo, Paulo Mendes da Rocha created works that are true modernist interventions in the city center, such as Sesc 24 de Maio and the Pinacoteca . Always investing in democratic spaces that generate a visual impact as soon as they are seen, the architect continues to inspire experts around the world. >> Relive 7 works that mark the work of Paulo Mendes da Rocha

Modern Architecture in practice - the most beautiful Brazilian projects

A great legacy of Modern Architecture is in Brazil (fortunately). We can say that our country is a safe cradle for the preservation of beautiful projects from this avant-garde. Below, get to know some of the most impressive and well-known works!

MASP

Anyone who walks the streets of São Paulo has certainly come across this classic of Brazilian Modern Architecture. A work by Lina Bo Bardi , the São Paulo Museum of Art has a democratic architecture, which aims at open spaces on the façade that integrate the environment. external and internal . Lina's intention to make the space more fluid, with circulation and without restricting the façade was successful. Today, MASP not only serves as a venue for exhibitions, but also for street dances, meetings between young people and even political demonstrations.

MuBE

The MuBE - Brazilian Sculpture Museum - was created as a result of a protest by the Jardim Europa residents' association, which wanted to prevent the construction of a shopping center on the site. Architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha was chosen to give the space a new look. The cement cladding is one of the architect's trademarks and is very present in the museum's design, reinforcing the main characteristic of modernism: simple, but not simplistic!

Glass House

The Glass House that served as home for Lina Bo Bardi and her husband ended up becoming one of the most referenced works of Modern Architecture in Brazil. Located in Morumbi, in São Paulo, this was the first work that the architect did upon arriving in the country. (construction began in 1950). The space served as home for Lina and her husband for over 40 years. The modernist architectural features are everywhere: from the choice of large windows that enhance the entry of natural light during the day, to the open façade of the lower floor of the residence.

National Congress

The National Congress project is perhaps one of the most emblematic images when thinking about Brasília . Modern and timeless, the work was designed by Oscar Niemeyer , who took on the challenge of uniting the Chamber and Senate buildings without taking away the independence of each. one of them. The monument reflects Niemeyer's modernism, with wavy shapes and asymmetry.