There is no doubt that the last century has been marked by some of the most incredible feats of architecture. From the soaring skyscrapers of New York to the scenic Chinese cityscape, technology and advanced construction techniques have redefined modern architecture.
Graana.com, Pakistan’s smartest property portal, will take a look at ten buildings featuring famous modern architecture.
The Basics: What is Modern Architecture
A response to the Industrial Revolution and the period’s shifting social and cultural circumstances, modern architecture is a style of architecture that first appeared in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is distinguished by a break from conventional architectural designs and the adoption of novel materials, building methods, and design ideas.
Features of Modern Architecture
Critical characteristics of contemporary construction include
Functionality
Modern architects strongly emphasize a building’s ability to serve its intended purpose while using available space optimistically. They sought to design efficient and successful structures to achieve their goals.
Simplified forms
Modern architecture frequently has crisp, geometric lines and straightforward shapes, eschewing overly ornate and decorative details. The building’s basic form is highlighted rather than its minute details.
New Materials
Modern architects have embraced new building materials, including steel, reinforced concrete, and glass. Large, open interior spaces could be built, and these materials made novel structural ideas possible.
Open Floor Plans
Modern architecture valued flexible, open floor layouts that did away with extraneous walls and partitions. This method produced open, flexible interiors that were simple to adjust to changing needs.
Integration
Harmonic integration with the environment was a goal for modern architects while designing structures. Incorporating features like big windows, balconies, and terraces to let in natural light and link indoor and outdoor areas, they stressed the connection between the constructed world and the natural environment.
Technology-focused
Modern architecture embraced new developments in technology. To push the limits of what was feasible in terms of building design and construction, architects investigated novel construction methods and engineering concepts.
Several well-known architects are linked to the modern architecture movement, including Le Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Walter Gropius, and Alvar Aalto. Their ideas and practices significantly impacted how architecture evolved during the 20th century and still serve as an inspiration to modern architects today.
Famous Buildings of Modern Architecture
Listed below are some of the most famous buildings in the world that incorporate modern architecture:
- Museum of the Future
- Merdeka 118
- The Guggenheim Museum
- Pakistan Monument
- Flatiron Building
- Faisal Mosque
- Sydney Opera House
- Burj Khalifa
- Heydar Aliyev Centre
- The Shard
Museum of the Future
Recently constructed, the Museum of the Future (MOTF) is considered one of the most prominent landmarks in Dubai and the world. It is located on the city’s superhighway, Sheikh Zayed Road. Founded by the Dubai Future Foundation, MOTF was inaugurated on 22 February 2022. The museum’s theme is how society could evolve in the coming decades using modern technology and science.
The museum has a futuristic architecture that attracts tourists from all over the world. Killa Design Architects design it as an asymmetric torus clad in glass and steel and engineered by the Buro Happold Engineering Consultancy. Moreover, National Geographics acknowledged it as one of the 14 most beautiful museums in the world.
MOTF engages visitors and lets them explore the future of humanity and our place in the universe. The museum is designed to be a multi-sensory experience, with exhibits that range from interactive to educational. It will also be home to several research facilities, which will be used to study the future of our world.
Merdeka 118
Located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Merdeka 118 is the second tallest building in the world, only behind Burj Khalifa. It stands 678 metres, right behind Burj Khalifa, at 828 metres. Its proximity to two stadiums influenced the name of this building: Stadium Negara and Stadium Merdeka.
Moreover, to signify the diversity of Malaysians, the skyscraper is constructed with a variety of glass facades in the shape of diamonds. The artwork was created to replicate and draw inspiration from Tunku Abdul Rahman’s “Merdeka!” chant and outstretched hand gesture, which he did on August 31, 1957, when he declared Malaysia’s independence.
Furthermore, 18,144 panels, 114,000 square metres of glass, and 1,600 tonnes of window frame extrusions will make up the exterior cladding. It will include the 118 Mall, luxury hotels, offices, and residences.
The Guggenheim Museum
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is one of the most iconic buildings in New York City. The museum, built between 1956 and 1959, is home to a modern and contemporary art collection.
Moreover, it is also one of the most visited tourist destinations in the city, with over 1 million visitors each year. The Guggenheim is a must-see for any art lover visiting New York City. If you’re planning a trip to the city, be sure to add it to your list of places to see.
Pakistan Monument
Located on the Western end of the Shakarparian Hills in Islamabad, Pakistan Monument is a national monument of the country. It was built to commemorate the sacrifices of the people of Pakistan who laid down their lives in the Pakistan Movement.
Also, the Pakistan Monument is a popular place to visit in Islamabad and a venue for national events and concerts. It comprises four wings that unite at a central point, symbolizing the country’s four provinces.
The wings are adorned with flag holders, and the monument’s base is inscribed with the names of Pakistan’s martyrs. The Pakistan Monument is a beautiful tribute to the country’s history and people. If you ever find yourself in Islamabad, be sure to take the time to visit this impressive monument.
Flatiron Building
The Flatiron Building is another famous modern architecture and one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks. It is located at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway. The building was completed in 1902 and was one of the tallest buildings in the city at the time.
The Flatiron Building is a 22-story steel-frame structure with a distinctive triangular shape. The building’s name comes from its resemblance to a clothes iron, and it is said to be one of the first buildings to use a steel frame construction.
Over the years, the Flatiron Building has been home to a number of businesses, including a newspaper, an advertising agency, and a publishing company. Today, the building is largely used as office space, with a few retail businesses on the ground floor.
Burj Khalifa
The tallest building in the world, standing at an absolute jaw-dropping 2717 feet with 160 stories, is considered an absolute marvel. This feat of modern engineering is a testament to human ingenuity. It is located in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
The combined weight of all the materials used in the Burj Khalifa has about the same weight as 100,000 elephants.
Moreover, It holds a couple of world records, including the tallest service elevator, tallest standing free structure, etc. A few impressive sustainability systems have also been set up to irrigate the surrounding plants.
Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House was a finalist for the new 7 Wonders of the World and is now a UNESCO world heritage site. This modern piece of architecture is a multi-performing theatre for arts. Moreover, it stands at about 67 metres above sea level and is made up of spherical precast shells that give it its distinct look.
Also, it features various theatres and recording studios for multiple performing arts. The largest concert hall has 2679 seats. It is also home to the largest mechanical tracker action organ, which houses over 10,000 pipes.
The Shard
This iconic building is an incredible monument of modern London and offers some of the most breathtaking views of London. The Shard stands at a respectable height of 1016 feet.
Furthermore, it has some of the most fine dining experiences offered in the world. It gets its name from its iconic shape as the edge of the building has a shape like a broken shard of glass. There are a number of led lights installed at the top, which create the illusion of a coloured shard of glass.
Heydar Aliyev Centre
The Heydar Aliyev Centre is a 57,500 square-metre building complex featuring fluid, free-flowing architecture. At 243 feet high, it features a neo-futuristic type of architecture. It is located in Baku, Azerbaijan, and is featured on the country’s currency notes.
Faisal Mosque
The largest mosque in South Asia and the sixth largest in the world, the Faisal Mosque, is in Islamabad, Pakistan. Set against the towering Margalla Hills backdrop, it is a magnificent piece of famous modern architecture that also won the Agha Khan Design Award.
Moreover, Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay designed this building, and it was considered unconventional for its time due to its slanting slopes and four minarets. It did not have any dome as traditionally-built mosques do. Furthermore, its highest point is 300 feet, and it has the capacity to hold about 300,000 visitors at any given time.
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FAQs
What buildings are known for modern architecture?
There are many buildings known for modern architecture, but some examples include:
The Guggenheim Museum in New York City
The Sydney Opera House in Australia
The Barcelona Pavilion in Spain
The Farnsworth House in Illinois
The Villa Savoye in France
What are the 5 famous buildings?
It isn’t easy to narrow down the most famous buildings in modern architecture to just five, but here are some examples that are often mentioned:
The Guggenheim Museum in New York City
The Sydney Opera House in Australia
The Fallingwater House in Pennsylvania
The Seagram Building in New York City
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai
Who is the famous architect for modern architecture?
There are many famous architects for modern architecture, but some examples include:
Frank Lloyd Wright
Le Corbusier
Mies van der Rohe
Zaha Hadid
Norman Foster
Where is modern architecture most popular?
Modern architecture can be found all over the world, but some places where it is prevalent include:
North America, especially the United States
Western Europe, especially Germany and the Netherlands
Japan
The Middle East, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi
China
