Contemporary Architecture

The phrases 'contemporary architects' and 'contemporary architecture' have obvious meanings but like 'modern architects' and 'modern architecture' the terminology is open to interpretation - shades of meaning.

Modern Architects

Modern Architecture became linked to a certain genre of building and thus over

time wasn't really 'modern' anymore. Contemporary Architecture currently has less baggage, it is not affected by fall-out from the reign of a certain style.

Modern Architecture - the 'International Style' - was associated with some great architects and some powerful countries and companies. It became the equivalent of the Classical Style in the Georgian period, ie the establishment architecture, the status quo. Some key Modern Architects include Le Corbusier, Mies Van der Rohe, Walter Gropius and Frank Lloyd Wright.

Since the seventies architecture styles have become more fractured and we have - amongst what could be termed contemporary architects - post-modernists, neo-modernists, deconstructivists, contextualists, expressionists and so on.'

‘Contemporary Architects' suggests a position that is anti-vernacular, comfortable with new materials and non-local materials & forms, using architectural language that is contemporary, ie not generally steeped in past typographies or traditions.

Contemporary Architects - Definition Summary

Thus in a quiet way the phrase ‘Contemporary Architects' has a theoretical position comparable - but not similar - to 'Modern Architects'. I would posit that 'conservationist', 'traditionalist', 'classicist' or 'vernacular' architects would feel their views and style are valid in the 21st century but generally would not wish to be called 'contemporary architects'; for logical reasons there will be exceptions.

Contemporary Architecture is not simply anti-vernacular but also architecture that can have a number of influences but still tries to be aspirational, visionary, risky and uses new materials in an innovative way. Contemporary Architects attempt to push at the boundaries of materials and technology, and, especially in recent decades, geometry. ‘Modern Architecture’ refers only to the architecture of the Modern Movement where ‘form follows function’ and the ‘house is a machine for living in’. But Modernism was such a significant movement, (and such a change in thinking at that time) and influenced all architects since, that it is not simply an architectural style like ‘Arts and Crafts’ or ‘High Tec’.

Almost every contemporary architect has been influenced by the Modern Movement. Le Corbusier was for many the principal influence with his modern architecture of white walls, fenetre longuer, pilotis and architectural promenade. He described not only a vision of future cities with masterplanning sketches and models, but a form of ‘programme’ and ‘narrative’ for all buildings, but especially modern houses. He had a series of wealthy Clients and was successful in pushing boundaries in almost every building he worked on.