Modernist Architecture came into the world with the onset of industrialisation. With the invention of new materials and technology, the definition of architecture changed forever. As complex traditional buildings gave way to functional buildings, a lot of movements and ideologies emerged. As each architect had his own set of theories it led to the construction of a wide variety of buildings throughout the globe. Here is a list of 50 modernist architects and their work.
1. Frank Lloyd Wright – Falling Waters, Pennsylvania (1939) | Modernist Architects
An icon of Organic architecture, built on a waterfall.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, Laurel Highlands© Image Courtesy by Mike Dobel © washingtonian.com
Webmaster Wright House, Fallingwater © wright-house.com
Frank Lloyd Wright integrated architecture into nature at Fallingwater © Image Courtesy by Robert P Ruschak ,© dezeen.com
Frank Lloyd Wright integrated architecture into nature at Fallingwater © Image Courtesy by Corsini Classic Summer, Source- dezeen.com
2. William Holabird And Martin Roche- Marquette Building, Illinois (1895) | Modernist Architecture
One of the first steel-frame skyscrapers , Chicago school of Architecture.
Marquette Building, Chicago, IL, USA, Image Courtesy J.Crocker ©commons.wikimedia.org
Marquette Building, Chicago, Image Courtesy A. D. White Architectural Photographs, Cornell University Library © flickr.com
Chicago Architecture Centre, Marquette Building ©architecture.org
An Exhibition Building used steel trusses for aesthetics.
Crystal Palace © lejsl.com
The Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, London, in 1851 © wikipedia.org/wiki/Great Exhibition
Side view of the Crystal Palace in 1851© commons.wikimedia.org
Crystal Palace Centre Transept & North Tower From South Wing An example of Modernist Architecture ©commons.wikimedia.org
4. Alexandre Gustave Eiffel- Eiffel Tower, Paris (1889)
A wrought-iron tower that glorifies the skyline of Paris
The Eiffel Tower, Image Courtesy by Benh Lieu Song © commons.wikimedia.org
Construction of Tour Eiffel © commons.wikimedia.org
American soldiers watch as the Tricolor flies from the Eiffel Tower © commons.wikimedia.org
5. Antonio Gaudi-Sagrada Familia, Barcelona (2010) | Modernist Architects
A combination of Gothic and Art Nouveau .
Sagrada Familia from Placa de Gaudi, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, Image Courtesy C Messier © commons.wikimedia.org
Sagrada Familia © klook.com
Barcelona, La Sagrada Família, Image Courtesy Banja-Frans Mulder © commons.wikimedia.org
Integrates elements of functional aesthetics with modern architecture.
Mies van der Rohe with Philip Johnson, Seagram Building © uk.phaidon.com
The skyscraper centre, Seagram Building Image Courtesy Marshall Gerometta/CTBUH © skyscrapercenter.com
The skyscraper centre, Seagram Building, Image Courtesy John W. Cahill/CTBUH © skyscrapercenter.com
The skyscraper centre, Seagram Building, Image Courtesy John W. Cahill/CTBUH © skyscrapercenter.com
7. Le Corbusier- Villa Savoye, Paris (1931) | Modernist Architecture
An Internationalist building that lists Le Corbusier’s “5 points”.
5 Points, Image Courtesy Erika Hrivikova © learnvray.com
Le Corbusier, Villa Savoye, Poissy, France, Image Courtesy Valueyou © commons.wikimedia.org
Montse Zomarana Photography © montsezamorano.com
Montse Zomarana Photography © montsezamorano.com
8. Walter Gropius- Fagus Shoe Factory, Alfred (1925) | Architects Works
Inspired by the Bauhaus school of Architecture.
Fagus Factory, Image Courtesy Carsten Janssen © commons.wikimedia.org
Fagus Factory, Image Courtesy Traveler100 © commons.wikimedia.org
Fagus Factory © fagus-werk.com
Fagus Factory © fagus-werk.com
9. Eric Mendelson- Einstein Tower, Potsdam (1921)
An astrophysical observatory depicts Expressionism.
Einstein Tower in Potsdam, Germany, Image Courtesy Astrophysikalisches Institut Potsdam © commons.wikimedia.org
Einstein Tower rear view, Image Courtesy By Marcus Winter from Potsdam © commons.wikimedia.org
Einstein Tower, Image Courtesy H.Raab © flickr.com
10. Modern Architect Santiago Calatrava – City Of Arts And Sciences, Valencia (1998) | Modernist Architects
The iconic structure represents a giant eye.
City of Arts and Sciences, Image Courtesy Jcca76 © commons.wikimedia.org
Hemispheric Twilight – Valencia, Spain, Image Courtesy Diliff © commons.wikimedia.org
Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe Image Courtesy HuseyinUlucay © commons.wikimedia.org
11. Richard Meier – Barcelona Museum Of Contemporary Art, Barcelona (1995) | Modernist Architects
A pearl amongst the old Gothic architecture of Barcelona.
Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art Exterior, Image Courtesy Robertgombos © commons.wikimedia.org
Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art Image Courtesy Zarateman © commons.wikimedia.org
Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art © /miniguide.co
12. Michael Graves- Humana Building, Kentucky (1985)
Known as the “Milk Carton Building”, made out of pink granite.
Humana Building, Image Courtesy Joseph © flickr.com
Humana Building, Image Courtesy Eric © flickr.com
Humana Building, Image Courtesy Marshall Gerometta/CTBUH © skyscrapercenter.com
13. M. Pei- Louvre Pyramid, Paris (1989) | Modernist Architecture
This glass and metal pyramid forms an entrance to the Louvre Museum .
Louvre Pyramid, Image Courtesy Hteink.min © commons.wikimedia.org
Louvre Pyramid, Image Courtesy Benh Leiu Song © commons.wikimedia.org
Louvre Pyramid, Image Courtesy Alvesgasper © commons.wikimedia.org
14. Frank Gehry – Guggenheim Museum Bilbao (1980)
Deconstructivism building is made of stone, glass and titanium.
Twilight exterior view of Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Image Courtesy PA © commons.wikimedia.org
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Image Courtesy Mikel Arrazola ©commons.wikimedia.org
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Image Courtesy PA ©commons.wikimedia.org
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Image Courtesy Georges Jansoone ©commons.wikimedia.org
15. Bernard Tschumi- The New Acropolis Museum, Athens (2001) | Modernist Architects
Built at the feet of the Parthenon, stores the archaeological treasures of Acropolis.
Acropolis Museum © traveltoathens.eu
Acropolis Museum © traveltoathens.eu
Acropolis Museum © traveltoathens.eu
16. Zaha Hadid – Heydar Aliyev Centre, Azerbaijan (2007)
Deconstructive building, consists of fluid curves
Zaha Hadid Architects© zaha-hadid.com
Zaha Hadid Architects© zaha-hadid.com
Zaha Hadid Architects© zaha-hadid.com
Zaha Hadid Architects© zaha-hadid.com
17. Norman Foster-Gherkin Tower, London (2003)
Skyscraper based on the principles of passive design strategies.
Gherkin Tower, Image Courtesy Aurelien Guichard © commons.wikimedia.org
Gherkin Tower, Image Courtesy Paste © commons.wikimedia.org
Gherkin Tower © netcredit.com
18. Rem Koolhaas- Cmg Headquarters, Beijing (2004) | Modernist Architecture
Due to its irregular shape, considered a structural marvel.
CMG Headquarters, Image Courtesy Dayton12345 © commons.wikimedia.org
CMG Headquarters, Image Courtesy Arup © skyscrapercenter.com
CMG Headquarters, Image Courtesy Thomas Jaehndel © skyscrapercenter.com
19. Peter Eisenman- Holocaust Memorial, Berlin (2004)
Built-in the memory of the Jews victims, has 2,711 concrete slabs in a grid pattern.
Holocaust Memorial, Berlin, Image Courtesy Alphamouse © commons.wikimedia.org
Holocaust Memorial, Berlin, Image CourtesyAlexander Blum © commons.wikimedia.org
Holocaust Memorial, Berlin, Image Courtesy Someformofhuman © commons.wikimedia.org
20. Cesar Pelli- The Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur (1993) | Modernist Architects
These twin towers are amongst the tallest in the world.
The Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Image Courtesy James Kerwin from Tbilisi © commons.wikimedia.org
The Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Image Courtesy Andy Mitchell from Glasgow © commons.wikimedia.org
21. Richard Rogers – The Pompidou Centre, Paris (1977) | Modernist Architects
The museum is built on the principles of High- Tech Architecture.
The Pompidou Centre © frenchculture.org
The Pompidou Centre © prestigeonline.com
The Pompidou Centre, Image Courtesy Patrick Kovarik / Afp Photo © prestigeonline.com
22. Modern Architect Tadao Ando – Modern Art Museum Of Fort Worth, Fort Worth, Texas (1892)
Made out of concrete and glass, an important landmark.
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Image Courtesy Joe Mabel © commons.wikimedia.org
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Image Courtesy Joe Mabel © commons.wikimedia.org
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Image Courtesy Riccardo Bianchini © inexhibit.com
23. Philip Johnson- Museum Of Modern Art, New York (1929) | Modernist Architecture
One of the most significant museums of modern art in the world.
Museum of Modern Art, New York, Image Courtesy Timothy Hursley, Yoshio Taniguchi ©timothyhursley.com
Museum of Modern Art, New York, Image Courtesy Timothy Hursley, Yoshio Taniguchi ©timothyhursley.com
Museum of Modern Art, New York, Image Courtesy Timothy Hursley, Yoshio Taniguchi ©timothyhursley.com
Museum of Modern Art, New York, Image Courtesy Timothy Hursley, Yoshio Taniguchi ©timothyhursley.com
Museum of Modern Art, New York, Image Courtesy Timothy Hursley, Yoshio Taniguchi ©timothyhursley.com
24. Louis Kahn – National Parliament Building, Dhaka (1982)
One of the largest legislative buildings in the world.
National Parliament Building, Image Courtesy Shahidul Hasan Roman © commons.wikimedia.org
National Parliament Building, Image Courtesy Flickr user Justintravels © commons.wikimedia.org
National Parliament Building, Image Courtesy Rossi101 © commons.wikimedia.org
25. Oscar Neymar – Cathedral Of Brasília, Brazil (1970) | Modernist Architects
A Hyperboloid structure is a Roman Cathedral.
Cathedral of Brasília, Image Courtesy Albery Santini Júnior © commons.wikimedia.org
Cathedral of Brasília, Image Courtesy Rodrigo de Almeida Marfan © commons.wikimedia.org
Cathedral of Brasília, Image Courtesy Tampasteve © commons.wikimedia.org
26. Willian Van Allen- Chrysler Building, New York (1930)
An art deco skyscraper, tallest brick and steel building.
Chrysler Building, Image Courtesy Samuel Gottscho © commons.wikimedia.org
Chrysler Building © chryslerbuilding.com
Chrysler Building, Image Courtesy Bridget Cogley © dezeen.com
Chrysler Building, Image Courtesy Bridget Cogley © dezeen.com
27. John Utzon- Sydney Opera House, Sydney (1973)
One of the most iconic buildings of the 20th Century.
Sydney Opera House, Image Courtesy Diliff © commons.wikimedia.org
Sydney Opera House, Image Courtesy Hpeterswald© commons.wikimedia.org
Sydney Opera House, Image Courtesy J.W.C. © www.commons.wikimedia.org
28. Renzo Piano- Whitney Museum Of American Art, Manhattan (1930) | Modern Architects Works
Consists of a network of galleries with cantilevered and public spaces.
Whitney Museum of American Art, Image Courtesy Ajay Suresh from New York © commons.wikimedia.org
Whitney Museum of American Art, Image Courtesy MusikAnimal © commons.wikimedia.org
Whitney Museum of American Art, Photograph by Nic Lehou © whitney.org
29. Jean Nouvel- Louvre Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabhi (2017)
Inspired by the traditional Arab culture, a museum city floating on water.
Louvre Abu Dhabi, Image Courtesy Mohamed Somji © travelandleisure.com
Louvre Abu Dhabi, Image Courtesy Wikiemirati © commons.wikimedia.org
Louvre Abu Dhabi, Image Courtesy Wikiemirati © commons.wikimedia.org
30. Eero Saarinen- Gateway Arch, Missouri (1965) | Modernist Architects
A structural marvel which is a symbol of St. Louis.
Louis On The Mississippi River By Night, Image Courtesy Daniel Schwenderivative © www.commons.wikimedia.org
The new Gateway Arch Park, anchored by Eero Saarinen’s historic monument, Image Courtesy Alex S. MacLean © arcspace.com
The new museum entrance echoes the architecture of the Arch above. Image Courstesy Nic Lehoux © arcspace.com
31. Richard Neutra – Neutra Office Building, Los Angeles (1950) | Modernist Architects
The Studio of Neutra has gardens and residential complexes in the rare part of the complex.
Neutra Office Building, Image Courtesy Bruce Boehner © commons.wikimedia.org
Rebirth of Richard Neutra’s home,The Neutra © medium.com
Rebirth of Richard Neutra’s home,The Neutra © medium.com
32. Rudolph Schindler- Lovell Beach House, Los Angeles (1926)
An important landmark in the early modernist architecture of America.
Lovell Beach Hous, Image Courtesy Marvin Rand © commons.wikimedia.org
Lovell House · Newport Beach, California, Image Courtesy Matt Nardella© www.greatbuildings.com
Lovell House · Newport Beach, California, Image Courtesy Matt Nardella© www.greatbuildings.com
33. Minoru Yamasaki- World Trade Centre, New York (1987) | Modernist Architecture
Consisted of seven buildings originally, the twin towers were the tallest in the world when built.
Vintage Manhattan Skyline, Source: Architectural Record, December, 1972© vintagemanhattanskyline.tumblr.com
World Trade Centre, Image Courtesy Robert Paul Van Beets © archdaily.com
World Trade Centre, Image Courtesy Sander Lamme © commons.wikimedia.org
34. Alvar Altao -Aalto Theatre Opera House, Essen (1988)
The design for this Opera house was selected by the means of an Architectural competition.
Aalto Theatre Opera House, Image Courtesy Tuxyso © commons.wikimedia.org
Aalto Theatre Opera House © theater-essen.deAalto
Theatre Opera House, Image Courtesy Thomas Robbin © commons.wikimedia.org
35. Vladimir Shukhov, Shukhov Tower, Polibino(1896) | Modernist Architects
The world’s first Hyperboloid structure, an engineering marvel.
Worlds First Hyperboloid in Polibino photo Image Courtesy Arssenev © commons.wikimedia.org
Shukhov Tower in Polibino photo Image Courtesy Arssenev © commons.wikimedia.org
Worlds First Hyperboloid in Polibino photo Image Courtesy Donskoy © commons.wikimedia.org
36. Paul Rudolf – Yale Art And Architecture Building, Connecticut (1963)
One of the first buildings of Brutalist Architecture in America.
The expanded Art and Architecture Building at Yale University, Image Courtesy Sage Ross © commons.wikimedia.org
Yale School of Architecture © ctexplored.org
The Paul Rudolph Hall © yalestories.wordpress.com
37. Louis Sullivan – Prudential Building, New York (1896)
Now a historic landmark, based on Sullivan’s “Form Follows Function.”
Prudential Building, Image Courtesy Geoffmcc © commons.wikimedia.org
Prudential Building © flickr.com
Prudential Building, Image Courtesy Dıpendav To © commons.wikimedia.org
38. William Le Baron Jenney– Home Insurance Building, Chicago (1885) | Modern Architects Works
First tall metal and steel-framed building, demolished in 1930.
Home Insurance Building, Image Courtesy Chicago Architectural Photographing Company © commons.wikimedia.org
The Chicago Building of the Home Insurance Co. of New York ~ Design ~ 1884 © chicagology.com
The Home Insurance Building, built in 1885, is seen at the northeast corner of Adams and LaSalle streets in Chicago © chicagotribune.com
39. Victor Horta- Hôtel Tassel, Belgium (1893)
First true Art Nouveau Building, characterised by whiplash lines.
Hotel Tassel Staircase, Image Courtesy Henry Townsend © commons.wikimedia.org
Hotel Tassel, Image Courtesy Karl Stas © commons.wikimedia.org
Hotel Tassel © http://www.irismonument.be/nl.
Hotel Tassel © http://www.irismonument.be/nl.
40. Adolf Loos-Villa Müller, Prague (1930) | Modernist Architects
One of the first buildings to combine aspects of the economy with modernity.
Villa Müller, Image Courtesy Hpschaefer © commons.wikimedia.org
Villa Müller, Image Courtesy Miguel Miranda © flickr.com
Villa Müller, Image Courtesy Miaow Miaow © commons.wikimedia.org