Le Corbusier, the modernist

Architecture as a medium started during the Egyptian era, then the Greek and Roman Period followed, after which the development seemed just to lay down died down. No further design was evident but only reinvention of the three distinct styles from Byzantines to gothic, renaissance to baroque, neo-classicism to art nouveau and art deco. All contributed to designs of sinuous curves and decorations creating an atmosphere of shiny exuberance ( classical).However at the start of the 20th century a new achievement was born the international style of modern architecture. This is a function of rebellion on the established architectural norms at the time and to basically express in style that is totally different from the past. Coupled with the development of concrete, mark and glass, it became the barometer by which succeeding styles evolved (History).The International Style of ArchitectureThe international style is characterized by three basic principles the marked influence of volume rather than luck balance rather than applied symmetry and the total expulsion of ornaments to the composition of the organise both in the faade and interior spaces. This movement is brought about by the advent of the industrial revolution. Thus, the international style is anchored towards machines, or that structural spaces argon machines where one can live in (International Style).One of the pillars of the international movement was Le Corbusier, the Swedish Architect who eventually made a name for himself while in Paris. He was a tireless artisan, through pamphlets, manifestos, magazines, books and even exhibitions he was able to project the merits of the movement not only in Europe but the Americas as well.Part of his (Le Corbusier) design innovation is the structure is raise on stilts to go it appear light and floating free flowing plan, so dwellers will have the freedom to rearrange the spaces according to their needs make the walls independent of the structure thus curta in walls were developed provide horizontal bands of windows to keep the light in and most of all top the structure with a roof garden to bring the natural environment to the structure (Rybczynski).The resulting structure is a study of steel columns and beams, a skeleton devoid of any decorative ornament. It projects an architecture that is harsh and brutal in appearance, but with the application of motive to ceiling plate glass windows it tempered the faade and promotes the functional side of the structure. The walls are no longer planned as load bearing but only as decorative panels devised mainly to protect dwellers from the elements. The elevator shafts are straightway exposed and part of the design retinue (International).The Villa SavoyeThe most important building that expressed the tenets of the international style is the Villa Savoye, near the suburbs in Paris. This building is unforgettable since it was designed by one of the movers of the style Le Corbusier. The Villa Savoye captures the essence of the movement because of its abject simplicity and is considered by many as the climax of Le Corbusiers work as it virtually expressed the style in its purist fig (Sullivan).What make the Villa Savoye the true representative of the international style are the different components that real define the spirit of the style. The faade is endemic throughout, meaning the design does not distinguish the front, the sides or the rear of the building and it is of plain reinforced concrete that added to its free-and-easy appeal.The Villa Savoye is obviously modular in design and follows the pattern on human proportion the building seems to float because of the series of pilotis or stilts that raise it from the ground, though it may be a form modern classicism it does not have any attachment to historical ornament but is actually an expression of a modern abstract sculptural composition and the external faade is pure white that suggests birth, purity, simplicit y and health (LeCorbusier).The building has an open interior plan that defines the system of logic of large spaces to go up or down between floors is best served by a corkscrew spiral staircase and a reliable storm system the windows provides a wealthy interplay of light, reminiscent of industrial architecture of course the feature that Le Corbusier emphasized is the roof garden at the top of the structure to promote oneness with the natural environment even when inside the building and the ground floor has an integral garage (LeCorbusier).All the characteristics of the international style as expounded by Le Corbusier are all incorporated in the Villa Savoye. And owing to the importance of the Villa Savoye to the international style, it has become a relic and a pilgrimage site for students of architecture.ConclusionNever in the history of architecture have a style that truly evolved without the undue influence of the past. Two movements have expressed the sincerity to really devi ate from this form of evolution the modern movement of Frank Lloyd Wright (organic style) and the international style. Both styles have echoed desires for large uninterrupted open spaces and simplicity in design without the use of exposit ornaments.The development of the skyscraper in the United States put into full use the international style of architecture. The buildings were now constructed according to the new manual on steel verbal expression with reinforced concrete as the material of choice on the walls and foundations. The faade fully utilize the versatility of plate glass as it clad the structure from the ground floor up to the penthouse.The glass curtain walls may have added to the aesthetic appeal of the building, but it also plagued insulation engineers, for it resulted in problems about heating and cooling, specially during the cold and warm months. Therefore new standards were set as it increases the energy requirement of buildings.But, even with some negative per ceptions, nobody can question the set up of the international style in our modern society. It has revolutionized our ideas of a modern structure.BibliographyHistory. Art Deco Architecture. 15 December 2007. .International Style, in Architecture. The capital of South Carolina Encyclopedia sixth edition. 2007. Columbia University Press. 16 December 2007. .International. Realtor Magazine Online. 2001. National Association of Realtors. 16 December 2007. .LeCorbusier Villa Savoye. Boston College Fine Arts Department. 12 November 2007. The Trustees of Boston College. 17 December 2007. .Neoclassic Art and Architecture. Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia. 2001. Microsoft Corporation. 15 December 2007. .Rybczynski, Witold. Le Corbusier. Time. 8 June 1998. Time Inc. 17 December 2007. .Sullivan, Mary Ann. Bluffton University. 2006. 17 December 2007. .