Theory of Architecture II

Distinctive Ideology of Early 20th Century Architects

Author/s:     China Angelu R. De Leon 
           cardeleon@mymail.mapua.edu.ph
Neil Christopher G. Camay
ncgcamay@mymail.mapua.edu.ph
Revy Rose Cuabo
rrmcuabo@mymail.mapua.edu.ph
Darel Mendoza
dadmendoza@mymail.mapua.edu.ph
Mapua University, Manila, Philippines     

Abstract: The architecture of the early 20th century paved way to a lot of architectural design and techniques that
changed building compositions and even considerations that is still prevailing and continuously evolving. New
modes of expression and movements such as the Art Nouveau, De Stijl were brought up by some of the famous
architects. Modernism was also timely introduced accompanying such architectural and philosophical theories
that searches for new and economic way of manifesting high-rise building designs. Key principles such as social
consideration, avoidance of classical design and ornamentation, concept of form and function, aesthetic-
functional requirements, were brought up by these famous architects namely as Le Corbusier, Louis Henry
Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe, etc. This paper aims to tackle the prevailing
principles, concepts, theories, of the named architects as well as their profound works that could help attain
and solve such economic and social issues of the modern era regarding the field of architecture. By these
principles, it could influence young architects to think theoretically that could set the tone of having a better
understanding of architecture.
Keywords: building compositions, movements, Modernism, form and function, principles, architecture, influence,

INTRODUCTION

The early 20th century is a period of change in the architectural style. It is an era wherein it welcomes a new
transition of building structures. It is a period wherein the start of moving forward seeking for good
architectural design associated with styles are not purely based on previous building characteristics and
form. Several changes are developed in this era such as the establishment of a technological skyscraper and
the passion to design houses that would technically fit into the natural setting and environment.

During the early 20th century, several architects were known to be recognized because of their notable
works and style of architecture as well as their philosophy and theories. However, there were truly amazing
architects like Le Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, Walter Gropius, Phillip Johnson,
Buckminster Fuller, Louis Kahn, and Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe. These architects gave an impression to
the development of architecture and hold strong motivation to create new designs.

CONTENT

1. Le Corbusier
 Distinctive Ideology of Early 20th Century Architects
1.1 Prevailing Theory
By comparison, Le Corbusier’s works from the middle years do not have a distinctive identity and perhaps
as a result have been greatly disregarded by architectural historians of the modern period. Although many
might disagree or agree with his principles, his influence on contemporary architecture cannot be
overplayed. With Le Corbusier’s obsession in industrial like urban plans that featured automobile, made
him one of the pioneers of modern architecture history. 1 He was able to influence some powerful figures in
architecture because of his unique ideas. His philosophies were the basis of these powerful figures, their
basic education and his styles are referenced in countless designs. At a young age, he took trips around
Europe and Mediterranean, including Italy, Vienna, Munich and Paris, there he was accompanied by various
architects. One of which was, Auguste Perret, a pioneer of reinforced concrete construction and later, Peter
Behrens, with whom Le Corbusier worked from October 1910 to March 1911, near Berlin. These trips
played a significant role in Le Corbusier’s education. He was able to create three major architectural
discoveries. The first one was an observation that formed his basis in vision of residential buildings, it was
the contrast between large collective spaces and individual compartmentalized spaces. 2 It later became
influential. The second one was classical proportion with Renaissance architecture and lastly geometric
forms and using landscape as an architectural tool.
He developed a set of architectural principles that dictated his technique which he called, Five Points
d’Architecture (Les 5 Points d' une architecture nouvelle). Those five points were first, the pilotis which the
pillars are supporting the structure, thus elevating the mass off the ground. Second was the free plan,
achieved through the separation of the load-bearing columns from the walls subdividing the space. Third
was the free facade, the corollary of the free plan in the vertical plane. Fourth was the ribbon window or the
long horizontal sliding window and finally, the roof garden, restoring, supposedly, the area of ground
covered by the house. 3

1.2 Philosophy and Works

The said philosophy was seen on one of his notable works. Swiss Pavilion is an example for points one,two,
three and fourth. The pillars below of this pavilion gave a visual impact on viewers that the mass really
elevated from the ground. The floor plan and facade then were applied. Its windows were long horizontal.
Only the fifth point wasn’t applied, which was having a roof garden. The perfect example of all the points
Le Corbusier developed, was his Villa Savoye. The point on and fourth was really obvious in all visual
angles, while the second and third point was seen in its blueprint and it has a roof garden. Le Corbusier
completed many of his most admired works in around 15 years, including the Unité d’habition in Marseille
(as well as similar designs in Nantes-Rezé, Berlin, Briey and Firminy), the chapel of Notre Dame du Haut
in Ronchamp, the convent of La Tourette and the Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts, his only building in
the United States.4
This design philosophy was the basis of some notable architects after his period. It was seen on some of the
works by Richard Meier and Oscar Niemeyer. Richard Meier’s Smith House owes a debt to Le Corbusier’s
houses, as in this use of cubical rendered relieved thought gentle curves. While Oscar Niemeyer’s Brazilian
National Congress was the result of his absorbed Le Corbusier’s urbanistic side and then later developing

1
Garkavenko, Alex. "Le Corbusier's Architectural Philosophy, Animated - Architizer Journal." Journal. Available at:
https://architizer.com/blog/inspiration/collections/corbusier-videos/. [Accessed July 29, 2019]
2
Biography.com Editors. "Le Corbusier Biography." The Biography.com Website.

Available at: https://www.biography.com/artist/le-corbusier. [Accessed July 29, 2019]

3
"Le Corbusier's Five Points of Architecture." Available at: http://www.geocities.com/rr17bb/LeCorbusier5.html. [Accessed January
25, 2003]
4
Stott, Rory. “Spotlight: Le Corbusier”. Arch-Daily Webisite.

Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/434972/happy-birthday-le-corbusier-2

[Accessed October 06, 2018]
on his own.5

2 Louis Henry Sullivan

2.1 Prevailing theory

By expanding his original architectural forms and details, Louis Sullivan did extend the world of
architecture, especially regarding the American architectural theories. Colonial designs were associated
with the development of American architecture however, Sullivan did not incorporate these historic designs.
Instead, he was able to manifest aesthetic unity and simplicity in skyscrapers that’s why he was figured as
the spiritual father of modern American architecture and was also called as the father of skyscrapers
(Craven, 2018)6.

According to him, all things in nature are unique forms that form outward semblance that distinguishes
from everything. Through his mind exploration of these things, organic embellishments and steel frame
construction, he exemplified the beautiful use of these ornamentations to the emerging buildings across the
American continent (Chicagoarchitecture, 2019)7.

Promoting this manifestation to buildings led to an architectural notion “Form follows function.” With the
lack of conviction regarding the aesthetic and structural considerations of a design, the introduction of the
concept function takes the place of utility. Function was seen as the backbone of all the design criteria
regarding its different design considerations such as cultural and psychological aspect (Lumencandela,
2019)8.

2.2 Philosophy and Works

His axiom serves as a concept that every purpose of a structure must be the design initiator. The principle of
“form follows function” discourages useless ornamentations unless in serves a purpose regarding its
structure activities. The aspect of the use of qualitative and quantitative ornamental design is present in the
Wainwright building. The use of essential ornamental designs pave way to the highlighting of specialized
production in the areas of structuralism and ornamenting process in architecture.

Sullivan’s contribution was also seen on the Guaranty building that was measured as the future “swan song”
of the Chicago school in its previous pioneering phase of design and construction. Sullivan during his
design process in this building seeks economic cycle revival that was rapidly declining that period.
Sullivan’s conceiving of a structure molds in a single earthly material which is terracotta. In fact, the
architectural significance of Sullivan’s designed buildings was quite different.

The use of metropolitan grid was different compared to other designs with the elegance of steel structure.
Although it is a steel structure, the use of terracotta expressed the best yield of having steel and terracotta
5
Aggarwal, Sheifali. “Influence of Le Corbusier in Modern Architecture-Dissertation”

Available at: https://www.scribd.com/document/280170153/Influence-of-Le-Corbusier-in-Modern-Architecture-Dissertation

[Accessed May 2013]
6
Craven, J. (2018). “About Louis Sullivan, Architect; America's First Modern Architect.” Available at
https://www.thoughtco.com/louis-sullivan-americas-first-modern-architect-177875
7
Chicagoarchitecture, (2019). “Louis Sullivan.” Available at http://www.architecture.org/learn/resources/architecture-
dictionary/entry/louis-sullivan/
8
Lumencandela, (2019). “The Beginning of Modern Architecture.” Available at https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-
arthistory/chapter/the-beginning-of-modern-architecture/
 Distinctive Ideology of Early 20th Century Architects
structure combination that was evoked on that kind of thin-skeletal system of a structure. The success of the
Guaranty building paved way to his famous aphorism (Elia, 1996)9.

For his innovative ideas, Sullivan was credited as the first Chicago School of architecture or also known as
Commercial style. One of its distinctive features is the use of steel-frame buildings as seen on the
Wainwright and Guaranty building with its masonry cladding such as terracotta which was mostly used by
Sullivan. The use of exterior ornamentation was used in different building stories with its efficient purpose.
Chicago window was originated in this school consisting of large fixed panels by girdle windows
(Lumencandela, 2019)8.

Another structure that showcases his architectural points is the Transportation building. Sullivan’s design
was also an outstanding exception to prove that he tried to develop a new organic architectural form. The
building presented as an arcaded form with colored exterior layers and sculpted decoration. The reason
behind these colored exterior layers is the perception of having white buildings. He saw white structures as
a negation to the economic society. After this design, Fair and Sullivan left an impression of having colorful
resemblance in every site. However, the nearby-structures does not complement regarding its colorful
resemblance compared to the Transportation building (Kyungilmin, 2013)10.

Figure 1 Transportation (Kyungilmin)

2.2 Prevailing present influence

Form follows function is the infused modern law of all things whether it is organic or inorganic, physical or
mind influences, that form follows function. Modernist principle adheres to this influence that any
aesthetically pleasing objects/things must have a purpose or functional requirement in its nature. A good
appearance or form must cultivate to the societal cognition and philosophical influence. The better the
understanding of the holistic aspect of a society, the better design that is functional or purposive. Sullivan’s
credo is still prevalent but must adhere to the present inevitable change of societal behavior. A theoretical
topic of following form follows function must take place on the changing behavior of a society regarding
human needs and wants (Wu, 2018)11.

3 Frank Lloyd Wright

3.1 Prevailing theory
An architect who has been interested in learning architecture since he was born, and with his passion

9
Elia, M. (1996). “Louis Henry Sullivan.” Princeton Architectural Press. Pp. 118-120.
10
Kyungilmin, (2013). “Transportation Building.” Available at https://kyungilmin.wordpress.com/transportation-building/

Figure Shell by ARTechnic architects (Source: Eli Anapur)

towards it, he later on developed a theory that highly influenced the field of architecture up until this
present time. In an early age, Frank Lloyd Wright had already exposed himself in architecture by playing
with his Roblox which made him experiment different combinations of geometric shape blocks. His human
experiences in an early age naturally made him analyze that there were repeating simple geometric shapes
appearing in nature. By working with Louis Sullivan, his mentor, which contradicted with his principle
“Form follows function” by creating his own principle “form and function are one”. This does not literally
means that both form and form are one (the same). Meaning, both of this should work together rather than
ruling and depending to the other. Creating unity and harmony between form and function allows the
audience to experience both the form and function at the same time. They simultaneously experience both
form and function rather than experiencing one of it first before the other. Several structures designed by
him can easily observe the application of this principles particularly the Guggenheim Museum in New York
City (Craven, 2019)12.
Accordingly, he is well-known from his Organic architecture which integrates his principle “form and
function are one” in nature. Aside from achieving the client’s satisfaction, nature should also put into
consideration in designing a structure. This philosophy which the design complements the natural site and
uses local raw materials. Here, the design must belong and harmonious to its natural environment for it to
say that the design is intended or meant to built there. In other words, the design connects or attach to its
natural environment rather than subjugating it. Furthermore, natural environment plays a huge role in
creating a design integrating the form and function of a structure (Craven, 2019).
Additionally, architects in Adler and Sullivan firm including Frank Lloyd Wright had developed and
discussed Prairie style which focused on clean lines and open floor plan. This style completely adverse to
the classical European Architecture but widely used in United States after 1915. Subsequently, it was
incorporated in modern architecture which makes it influential in the field of architecture up until this
present time (Gibson, 2017)13.

3.2 Notable Works

Wright’s Philosophies made him create and design notable structures.
Overall, his principle “form and function are one”, his organic architecture
principle, and his prairie style can be seen and perceived with his designs.
For instance, he is widely known from his Fallingwater which placed on the
top of a waterfall established on 1964. For the people who had experienced
the structure said that they could hear the sound of the waterfalls wherever
they are inside of the house. The people simultaneously experience the form
and function of the structure which makes it “form and function are one”.
Its design is highly relative and complement with the nature. In other
words, the design belongs and harmonious to its natural environment
(Gibson, 2017)14.

Figure 2 Fallingwater
(Source: Eleanor Gibson)
3.3 Prevailing Influence
11
Wu, S. (2018). “How is ‘Form Follows Function’ to 21st Century Design?” Available at https://uxdesign.cc/how-is-form-follows-
function-to-21st-century-design-335737a73305

12
Craven, J. (2018). “About Louis Sullivan, Architect; America's First Modern Architect.”
Available at https://www.thoughtco.com/louis-sullivan-americas-first-modern-architect-177875
13
Gibson, E. (2017, June 5). dezeen. Retrieved from Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House was his most "consummate expression" of
Prairie style: https://www.dezeen.com/2017/06/05/robie-house-frank-lloyd-wright-150-anniversary-prairie-style-20th-century-
architecture-usa/
14
Gibson, E. (2017, June 7). dezeen. Retrieved from Frank Lloyd Wright integrated architecture into nature at Fallingwater:
https://www.dezeen.com/2017/06/07/fallingwater-frank-lloyd-wright-pennsylvania-house-usa-150th-birthday/
 Distinctive Ideology of Early 20th Century Architects
Mostly, designs made by great architects lives for a long time and prolongedly used by the people. In other
words, the longer it lives, the more important structure it is. If this happened, architects successfully
influenced the field of architecture through their designs, philosophies, and principles. In this present time,
several structures were constructed that is inspired by organic architecture through considering the building
and site, material, proportion and simplicity that will complement to its natural environment.
For instance, a structure named Shell, built on 2009 which was designed by the ARTechnic architects,
considered as a best representation of organic architecture inspired structure. Relatively, the architects were
inspired and later on incorporated his philosophy by building this structure. They truly believe that being in
sync with nature isn't about yielding to nature - it's about coexistence. Meaning, its existence is highly
dependent to its nature. In relation to Wright’s philosophy where as the design must belong and harmonious
to its natural environment (Etherington, 2009)15.

Figure 3 Shell by ARTechnic architects (Source:

Rose Etherington)
Considering the materials is a postulate in constructing an organic architecture. For instance, a structure
named Sustainability Treehouse designed by Mithun with BHIM is considered as sustainable architecture
due to its material which is wood with combination of fabrics. On the other hand, with its material used in
respect to their innate character and its site made it considered as an organic architecture. Moreover, the
material made the structure belongs and harmonious to its natural environment (Anapur, 2016)16.

Figure 4. Sustainability Treehouse by Mithun (Source: Eli Anapur)

4 Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe

4.1 Prevailing Theory
Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe was born in Aachen, Germany in 1886. He was known to be as the father of

15
Etherington, R. (2009, January 4). dezeen. Retrieved from Shell by ARTechnic architects:
https://www.dezeen.com/2009/01/04/shell-by-artechnic-architects/
16
Anapur, E. (2016, October 16). Widewalls. Retrieved from Organic Architecture - The Art of Sustainable Living:
https://www.widewalls.ch/organic-architecture/
modern architecture. He was trained by his father by the age of 19. He was given a chance to work for a
furniture designer and architect, Paul Bruno. Also, he was able to work for Peter Behrens (Great Buildings,
2008). Through it, Mies Van der Rohe established his passion and interest for Prussian Classicism, Russian
Constructivism and more. His idea of “glass and steel” was inspired by Karl F. Schinkel’s style, the lintel
construction that’s why he is considered as the pioneer of glass skyscrapers. Because of those experiences,
he managed to open his perspective to apply on a practical basis.
One of the well-known architects during the early 20 th century and who is famous for his simplicity,
transparency, rationality, and order is Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe. Those mentioned principles expressed his
style. He had a belief that those are necessary and important factors in making an order in design. This was
because he believed that these traits were essential in the creation of order in an otherwise distressing
misperception (Whitman, 1969). Less is more is Mies Van der Rohe’s philosophy which is an approach to
architecture which gives focus on the association of the structure and the originality of the materials used.
Along with that, his main goal was to create an operational and utilization of space. He once said this
statement, “Architecture is the will of an epoch translated into space” (Whitman, 1969).

4.2 Notable Works

There were lots of works by Mies Van der Rohe

Figure 5. German Pavilion House
and one of them is the German Pavilion in 1929. It
is said to be the reason why his creative ability was
at the peak. The glass and marble walls are movable
as both of them did not hold the wall of the
structure. It was the perfect definition of “skin and
bone clarity”, which has a similar meaning to Mies’
style (Design Boom, 2008). Due to the fall of the
economy of Germany, the second phase of Mies’
career as an architect became prominent. He
designed the Farnsworth House which expressed as

the “most radically minimalist house ever designed” that emphasized the flexibility and openness of the
space (Design Boom, 2008). Mies has been a big influence in recognizing architecture all throughout the
world by the execution of his simplicity and uniqueness found in his works. Also, his works were very
admired by many and keep gaining popularity. There was a deep understanding of the significance of
craftsmanship and highlight of details. It was to show the image of himself.

Figure 6. Farnsworth House

4.3 Prevailing Influence

Looking at principle, the style of Mies is with purpose, shows simplicity, expresses transparency and has a
reason. The real intention behind his building structures was his statement, “true statement of its times”
 Distinctive Ideology of Early 20th Century Architects
(Whitman, 2008). Although Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe did not have formal educational training as an
architect yet he may seem to be a very good executor of design and innovation during the early 20 th century.
Through his broad perspective in architecture, he was able to create and introduced his own theory and up
until now it is widely been used and his style was applied in modern architecture because modernism is
prominent nowadays and minimalist style has been a basis for more classical and elegant architectural
design.

CONCLUSION
Modernism style developed throughout the 20th century around the globe. For instance, a German architect
named, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was considered one of the century’s greatest architects, up until now. He
emphasized open space and embraced natural materials. Another, a French architect and artist named Le
Corbusier saw modern design as a way to address urban planning challenges and improve everyday life for
all citizens. On the other hand, Louis Sullivan emphasized a modernist principle wherein exterior
ornamentation must adhere to its purposive aspect on a structure; not just as an aesthetic design. In
accordance, Frank Lloyd Wright contradicted Louis Sullivan’s principle “form follows function” by
creating his own principle “form and function are one” where in it must belong and harmonious to its
natural environment. By design, modern architecture defies definition. During this period, it greatly marked
a new page from rigid rules of Classical architecture allowing form to follow function, unity of from and
function, and aesthetics. As a result, their prevailing theories continues to influence the field of architecture
by inspiring current architects through their set of philosophies and theories.

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lloyd-wright-150-anniversary-prairie-style-20th-century-architecture-usa/
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house-usa-150th-birthday/
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Available at https://kyungilmin.wordpress.com/transportation-building/

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Available at https://uxdesign.cc/how-is-form-follows-function-to-21st-century-design-335737a73305