Courses

During the early to mid-20th century, a revolutionary transformation in architectural styles and ideologies led to the coining of the term “modern.” This course explores the world of modernist architecture by closely studying the works of its pioneering architects. By examining their iconic and lesser-known creations, the course aims to construct a comprehensive understanding of the architects and their profound impact on the architectural landscape.

Modern architecture is renowned for its inclination toward an abstract international style. This approach, characterized by cutting-edge technologies and materials, emerged as a fitting expression of a rapidly evolving world, unburdened by the constraints of historical conventions. However, within the folds of modernism, certain architects embraced a sense of place and history, infusing their creations with what will be referred to as “poetic functionalism” or, in contemporary terms, “form follows function.” This course will spotlight five iconic architects in depth—Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Kahn, Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier, and Alvar Aalto—who contributed in unique ways to the modernist narrative. We will also touch on the diverse works of eight additional architects to help provide a deeper understanding of the ideas, innovations, and artistic expressions that shaped this architectural era. By the end of the course, students will have a well-rounded knowledge of modernist architecture, its key figures, and the broader cultural and philosophical context in which it thrived.