Translated By Karin Ng (Keypad)

Click here to Keypad to see the original (P.84)   |   中文版

.

Back in our March|April issue, we discussed about bluffing your way into being a Classical Architecture Expert. By merely learning these six periods by heart – Greek, Roman, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassicism – and with a dash of confidence, one can simply fool friends as a specialist.

Don’t get too flustered if ever your friends return from Europe and continuously rave about the sophisticated designs of Paris Métro entrances or how amazing Gaudi’s architectures in Spain are. These designs are categorised under Modern Architecture, which we shall explore further in this article. I promise you that once you are done reading this, you may probably be as educated as a real architect.

 

 

 

.

.

.

Modern Architecture vs Modernism

 .

If you want to appear like a Modern Architecture Expert, first you have known how to differentiate the term Modern Architecture from Modernism. Modern Architecture is defined by its era, which began in the late 19th century as opposed to classical architecture. Whereas Modernism is an architectural style started by Bauhaus in Germany assumedly, which is widely known to be one of the most influential styles in Modern Architecture. Located in Central, Hong Kong’s City Hall is a prime example of Modernism.

 

To understand Modern Architecture, we first have to trace back to the Industrial Revolution. The architectural style tied in closely with the industrial era because of the vast advancement in architectural techniques then. With the invention of new tools like cast iron and reinforced concrete, they eliminate the need for big columns and thick stone walls commonly found in Classical Architecture which in turn become mere decorations.

 

 

Thus, the dilemma arises – should we keep building classical structures? It is like asking if you should still keep your two-feet deep entertainment center from the 90s in your living room, while the whole world has already switched to flatscreen TV.

 

 

.

.

The Tri-Factor Art Movement

 .

The classical Beaux-Arts style was still largely popular in the late 19th century, whereas modern architectures such as the Eiffel Tower and the Crystal Palace were viewed as unsightly and frowned upon then.

 

Gradually, people became more receptive to Modern Architecture as its advancement brought along perks such as convenience, low cost and reduction in structural size. This situation drew parallels to the Qing Dynasty in Chinese history, an era that was influenced by the Western culture. Initially Western technologies were regarded as absurd, however the Chinese started adopting Western methods with their tools, which eventually led to complete westernization.

 

Architecture has gone through similar phases from the Classical to Modern era through the three influential Art movements.

.

 

 

 

 .

 

 

Arts and Crafts

 

The Arts and Crafts movement first came about during the time when the general perception of modernization was viewed as dehumanizing and only encouraged pollution. However, the community was also discontented with the symbols of power seen in classical structures and reckoned the classical Beaux-Arts style was disconnected from the public.

 

Hence, the path leading up to the era of craftsmanship was laid out. The Arts and Crafts movement was against industrial mass production, believing that handmade goods should be crafted by the designers themselves.

 

People were sick of the pollutions and overcrowding caused by industrialized cities. Ideally, architecture would return close to nature and be designed based on inspiration of the rustic countryside. Originating in England, the movement was known as Organic Architecture in the United States. Early works of influential architect Frank Lloyd Wright were regarded as the benchmark of this movement.

 

 

 

.

 

.

.

 

.

 .

Art Nouveau

 

 

Inheriting elements from Arts and Crafts where organic styles are advocated, Art Nouveau opened itself up to industrial materials yet somehow managed to romanticise the craft. By shaping iron into different curved patterns inspired by nature, these artworks were often used as decorations as seen in many of Paris’ Metro entrances.

 

The movement originated from Belgium and continued on in Austria, which then led to the formation of the Vienna Secession, a cultural move to break away from traditions. Known as “Jugendstil” in Germany and “Stile Liberty” in Italy whereas in Spain it is known as “Modernisme”, where architectural great Gaudí first made a name for himself.

 

 

Gaudí’s architecture is widely considered an eccentric version of Art Nouveau. He believed that art should imitate nature and since God only uses curves, not even a single straight line is found in his works.

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

 .

 

Art Deco

 

Art Deco first became prominent in the 20s. This modern design style not only accepted industrialization, it was also warmly embraced and celebrated. Originating in Paris, the movement went through three stages, with its earliest stage focused on product designs.

 

 

The later stages saw the rise of Zigzag Moderne, a style that characteristically use vertical lines and cascading shapes.Zigzag Moderne flourished in New York, with the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building as its prized representation. While in Hong Kong, the Old Bank of China building was another icon.

 

 

Streamline Moderne emerged in the later part of the Art Deco movement. The style was influenced by the automotive designs at the time. The architectural style tended to be streamline and symmetrical, and also favoured horizontal lines. This style was very popular in Miami. The Old Wanchai Market in Hong Kong, often mistaken as Bauhaus style, is also another local example of streamline designs.

 

 

 

.

.

 

 

Afterthought

.

Over the course of three iconic art movements, we have seen architectural styles shift from total resistance to acceptance over industrialization. These periods sowed the seeds for the rise of a new era – Modernism (a topic which we shall dig deeper into next time). Being of huge significance in modern times, people have grown too accustomed to this particular movement that your friends would probably not be dazzled by a glass box building. Rest assured that if ever the conversation arises, by remembering these three art movements and carrying yourself with poise, you will be convincing as a Modern Architecture Expert.

 

 

 

 

.

.