This paper surveys the major forces and figures that shaped architecture during the twentieth century. Beginning with the industrial revolution's impact on construction materials and urban growth, the paper profiles three visionary architects: Antonio Sant'Elia, whose futurist sketches prophesied the modern metropolis; Frank Lloyd Wright, whose organic architecture harmonized human life with nature and influenced American suburban development; and Le Corbusier, whose high-rise public housing and automobile-aware city planning addressed the urban crises of the postwar era. Together, these figures illustrate how modern architecture emerged from the intersection of social need, technological progress, and aesthetic imagination.
As one famous spokesperson observed, architecture aims at eternity. Throughout history, architecture has always demanded creativity and coordination from those who possess the skills to excel in the field. During the nineteenth century, architecture had very little to do with industrial activities and was concerned primarily with structures and monuments that symbolized the pride of a country or state. The dawn of the twentieth century changed everything (Writework 1).
The industrial revolution in many countries, and the development of humanity's relationship with machines, brought about significant changes in the field of architecture. A new ideology emerged that revolved around mechanics and efficiency, and architecture was transformed into a means of cultural reform (Writework 1). The use of steel and concrete in construction became popular, enabling the building of stronger and taller structures — especially in the wake of damage caused by disastrous earthquakes, such as the one that struck San Francisco in 1906. In many regions, cities expanded greatly and very quickly.
At this pivotal moment in history, some visionary and ambitious architects set out to design ideal cities. One such renowned architect was Antonio Sant'Elia (1888–1916), an Italian whose remarkable imagination enabled him to draw the city of the future. Although he left behind no completed architectural works — having died at just twenty-four years of age — he still holds a significant place in the history of modern architecture. His creativity and innovation paved the way for the architects who came after him. Sant'Elia was far more than a mere precursor of modern architecture; he was a prophet and a forecaster. At a time when such visions were purely imaginative, his young mind dreamt of changing society through modernism (Meyer 15). He believed that the technological advances of the twentieth century held the potential to remake the world into a utopia.
Being a socialist, Sant'Elia proposed replacing traditional architectural styles with skyscrapers, improved traffic routes, and other characteristics of an industrialized city — features he believed would meet the needs of an advancing society. This represented a true urbanization of nineteenth-century architectural thinking. His skyscraper designs also incorporated terraces and airborne walkways, ideas that are purely elements of modern architecture. The increased need for speedy communication, coupled with rapid population growth during and after the World Wars, played a vital role in popularizing Sant'Elia's ideas (Meyer 55).
Another major figure who contributed significantly to twentieth-century architecture was the American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright was repelled by what he saw as the ugly architecture of the nineteenth century and longed for something more aesthetical and utopian. His belief that the surrounding environment plays a role in beautifying architecture gained widespread popularity. He opted to design structures that were in perfect harmony with both humans and the natural world, describing his approach as "Organic Architecture." This contemporary style was his answer to rationalism. What he ultimately envisioned was the dissolution of the existing city so that it could be recreated from scratch. Fallingwater, located in rural south-western Pennsylvania, is the best expression of this philosophy.
Wright's model of utopia was conceived in the aftermath of the devastating Great Depression. The model was designed to provide people with fresh air and natural beauty so that they could escape the pressures of the modern city and recover from their social and economic misfortunes (Fishman 1989, 122). Broadacre City is considered Wright's enduring legacy to the American community, as it perfectly represents his vision of a suburban, utopian city where democracy prevails and offers a meaningful escape from congested urban centers (Alofsin 14).
"Post-war boom drives suburban growth and domestic architecture"
"Le Corbusier proposes high-rise housing for crowded cities"
"Separating pedestrians from cars in future city planning"
VOA. "American History: After Second World War, a Baby Boom." VOA Learning English. N.p., 06 Jun. 2012. Web. 5 Jun. 2012.
Wright, Frank L. The Ultimate Frank Lloyd Wright: America's Architect — Explore the Life and Work of America's Greatest Architect. New York: Byron Preiss Multimedia, 1994. Computer file.
WriteWork contributors. "What Impact Has Technology Had on Architecture of the 20th Century? — Mainly Notes." WriteWork.com, 01 March 1996. Web. 04 Jun. 2012.
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