Originating in Europe, the International
Style is based upon modern structural principles and
materials and began to appear in the United States
in the 1930’s. The style was officially named
at the first architectural exhibition of the Museum
of Modern Art in 1931.
With many of the architects who originated International
Style immigrating to the US during WWII to escape
persecution and securing jobs at architectural schools
across the country, the design style became more prominent
across the country.
Along with the use of concrete and glass, the International
Style maintains a horizontal focus with flat roofs,
and corner and casement windows. It was developed
as a radical reaction to neoclassicism and revivalism.
While similar in many ways to Art Deco, the primary
difference between the two is the avoidance of unnecessary
decoration in the International Style. Relishing in
new materials and technologies, the architects created
structures very much in line with the Bauhaus philosophy
of form following function.
New industrial technologies lent themselves to the
form by offering the opportunity to use structural
steel supports and concrete forms which allowed for
the incorporation of more glass walls. Symmetry was
avoided when arranging the various geometric elements.
For more information on the International style,
look out for the book, The International Style:
Architecture Since 1922. |
