World War 2 had a serious impact on the entire world, but
specifically on Europe. Because of all the turmoil in Europe at that time, many
designers and architects fled. This, alongside the closing of the Bauhaus,
encouraged many prominent Modernist designers to come to America in order to
continue their practice.
The Modernism Movement began in Germany and France,
spreading to the rest of the world through exhibitions and the travel of
Modernist figures to other countries, such as America. The economy of America
at this time was fantastic. There were many new homeowners due to this newfound
economic strength, allowing many new design opportunities. Many beautiful knew homes
and commercial buildings grew from these design opportunities and became the
famous pieces of architecture we recognize to this day. Architects such as
Frank Lloyd Wright, Walter Gropius, Marcel Breuer, and Mies van der Rohe all
contributed to this massive growth of Modernist design in the United States.
The definition and direction of Modernism did change, however, when these
architects came to America. Before World War 2, Modernism was thought to be
theoretical and idealistic, but after the war, Modernism focused more on
practical and applied design.
Even though Europe was going through harder times after the
conclusion of World War 2, America managed to come out as the economical
leaders of the world. The migration of prominent Modernist architects and
designers further helped not only our economy, but also our stylistic
development with both architecture and furniture.
Design Examples
Schindler House - Rudolph Schindler
Current Application
One Step Further
Richard Joseph Neutra was an Austrian-born architect that
grew to become one of the most important architects of the Modernist movement.
In 1910, Richard studied under Adolf Loos at the Vienna University of
Technology, and he continued his education until 1914 when his studies were interrupted
by World War 1. He finished his studies in 1917 and became a landscape
architect two years later. Richard then gained experience as a city architect
before moving to the United States and becoming a citizen in 1929.
Richard Neutra initially began working with Frank Lloyd
Wright upon his coming to America, but he quickly started working with his
friend, Rudolf Schindler, instead. Eventually, Richard began his own firm and
designed in the International Style throughout California. Twelve of his
buildings are designated as Historic Cultural Monuments, such as the Lovell
House and the Kaufmann House. In 1932, Richard was included in the Museum of
Modern Art exhibition in New York, curated by Philip Johnson and Henry Hitchcock.
He was then recognized as being on the same level as Walter Gropius and Marcel
Breuer when the US Department of State requested he build an embassy in Karachi
as a program of commissions to renowned architects. After this, Richard Neutra
designed internationally in Switzerland, Germany, and France before his death
in 1970.
Richard Neutra is known for the attention he gave to his
clients and their needs. He always made sure that his architecture was a blend
of art, landscape, and comfort for each and every one of his clients. Richard
had a great influence on the Modernist movement and had a very positive impact
on the development of the International Style.
Great summary of the Modernist movement in America! I find it interesting that the success of a movement usually depends a lot on the economic standing of a society during the time in which the movement begins. Also, its intriguing that the definition of Modernism changed depending on the country that it was implemented in.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I enjoyed your one step further look into Richard Neutra! It's wonderful to learn about an architect and design I had no knowledge of before.
I think that this time period in America goes to show that out of hard times, really great things can emerge. World War II was a terrible time of loss, tragedy, and fear. However at the end of it, America was able to rise as a leader.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed learning about Richard Neutra. I thought it was interesting that he began under Adolf Loos, a designer who detested ornamentation. He then went to work for FLW, who did not share the same opinions on ornamentation. I think that both of his mentor's styles can be seen in his own work.
I liked how you talked about the status of America during this time and their economy. The economy was doing great which gave the designers that fled to America jobs and the opportunity to bring out this modernism style. Like you said modernism was only theoretical and just a thought you could say but after the war designers put it to use and it spread and was influenced all over the world.
ReplyDeleteExcellent summary and images. The disaster and after effect of WWl and WWll, as well as the rise of the United States as a world leader was a turning point. The fact is that the United States is a melting pot of immigrants who have changed the world! Love your summary on Neutra!
ReplyDelete