Modern Architecture was a product of the mid-20^th century. Often referred to as ‘Modernism’, the origins of this style have been attributed to three ‘main players’: Le Corbusier (France), Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (Germany) and Walter Gropius (Germany). The American architect Frank Lloyd Wright furthered this style with his prolific designs.

The availability of building materials such as iron, steel and glass drove the invention of new building techniques as part of the Industrial Revolution.

In the western world there was a morality issue attached to the construction of modern architecture: humanity’s lot was improved by the mass demolition of slums to make way for clean, modern housing.

Modern architecture is usually characterized by:

• an adoption of the principle that the materials and functional requirements determine the result
• an adoption of the machine aesthetic
• an emphasis of horizontal and vertical lines
• a creation of ornament using the structure and theme of the building, or a rejection of ornamentation.
• a simplification of form and elimination of "unnecessary detail"
• an adoption of expressed structure
• Form follows function

Here I am showcasing some outstanding modern architecture that can be found throughout the world. The use of metal and glass is, without doubt, the main focus of modernism in architecture.

Outstanding examples of modern architecture

BMW World, Munich

Nina Tower and Vision City, Hong Kong

Lippo Plaza, Hong Kong

Darmstadt, Germany

Torre Marenostrum, Barcelona

High Light Towers, Munich

Reichstag building, Berlin

Cloud Gate, Chicago

Dancing House, Prague

Selfridges, Birmingham

No 1 shelley street, Sidney

Perbadanan Putrajaya Complex, Putrajaya

Swiss Re Building (The Gherkin), London

Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao

City of Arts & Sciences, Valencia

The Burj, Dubai

Hungarian National Theatre

Wheelock Place, Singapore

Bahrain Trade Center

Triangle office tower, Berlin

Church of Brasilia

City Hall, London

The Sands Casino, Macau

ING Headquarters, Amsterdam

Turning Torso, Malmo

Esplanade Theater, Singapore

Lloyd’s Building, London, UK

The Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur

In older cities such as London, the modern buildings stand out starkly against the many other styles of architecture. In modern cities and countries such as Singapore, modern architecture blends together to give a totally different overall appearance.

Please add any comments you have on modern architecture, modern cities/countries or older cities.