What is the difference between modern and contemporary architecture ?
The terms 'modern' and 'contemporary' are often used to describe the architecture of a house and many estate agents and homeowners use them interchangeably, when in fact they mean two very different things. But what do they really mean ? Anthouard Immobilier will explain in detail the differences between modern and contemporary design.
Design and modern architecture
Modern design was born in response to the overly ornate, cluttered and fanciful architecture of the late 19th century. Modernist architects of the time wanted to break the rules and go against what was considered traditional design at the time. It included styles such as Eclecticism, Victorian and in the 1920s, the Art Deco period.
Modernist architects chose to create houses that were unadorned, unlike the popular houses of the time. They designed houses that had a strong horizontal composition with large open plans, intentional asymmetry and large expanses of windows or glass walls. The aim was to create a simplified house with an emphasis on function, removing unnecessary detail and frills.
These architects chose to use their designs as a tool to respond to the speed at which things were changing in their world. The early twentieth century was rapidly transforming into a technology-driven, mass market industrial society. Many of these architects and designers felt that the people in their society were achieving more, but were emotionally stunted and less spiritually or creatively fulfilled.
Many of the houses they designed at the time were built not only to accommodate the changing times, but also to give the owners a chance to feel more in tune with nature. As a result, many of these houses were designed to blur the boundaries between inside and outside. They have used the surroundings to enhance the features of the house, using the lines of the roof to continue the lines of the landscape around the house.
Contemporary design
In contrast, contemporary architecture is rooted in the ‘present’. This means that these types of houses are generally innovative and forward-looking. However, the design of these houses is much more complex than their modern counterparts. Their design is freer and more artistic, drawing on all types of design rather than being a response to an era.
Although these house designs did not really gain popularity until the 1970s, it is important to remember that architecture does not originate from a specific movement or refer to a specific time period.
Since contemporary houses can have modern architectural features, it can be difficult at first to discern the differences between the two types of houses. The most important fact is that the architecture of contemporary houses is influenced by the styles that preceded it.
For example, a contemporary house today is very much inspired by the exterior architecture of a Craftsman style house, but prefers the large and spacious open spaces found in modern houses. With contemporary homes, no one style is dominant over another. Instead, contemporary architects can create a home that meets the needs of their client, such as adding a large architect’s window to provide a breathtaking view of nature.
One of the distinguishing features of many contemporary, newly built homes is that they are often built with sustainability in mind. They are generally environmentally friendly and energy efficient and use materials that are often repurposed for their intended use.
Another notable feature is that they are often built to serve as mixed-use spaces. Architects can incorporate solar panels to help heat and cool the home. Many high-end green features make the home more energy efficient. Mid-century modern and contemporary styles are currently very popular, inspiring many architects and interior designers today.
What is the difference between modern and contemporary architecture ?
The terms ‘modern’ and ‘contemporary’ are often used to describe the architecture of a house and many estate agents and homeowners use them interchangeably, when in fact they mean two very different things. But what do they really mean ? Anthouard Immobilier will explain in detail the differences between modern and contemporary design.
Design and modern architecture
Modern design was born in response to the overly ornate, cluttered and fanciful architecture of the late 19th century. Modernist architects of the time wanted to break the rules and go against what was considered traditional design at the time. It included styles such as Eclecticism, Victorian and in the 1920s, the Art Deco period.
Modernist architects chose to create houses that were unadorned, unlike the popular houses of the time. They designed houses that had a strong horizontal composition with large open plans, intentional asymmetry and large expanses of windows or glass walls. The aim was to create a simplified house with an emphasis on function, removing unnecessary detail and frills.
These architects chose to use their designs as a tool to respond to the speed at which things were changing in their world. The early twentieth century was rapidly transforming into a technology-driven, mass market industrial society. Many of these architects and designers felt that the people in their society were achieving more, but were emotionally stunted and less spiritually or creatively fulfilled.
Many of the houses they designed at the time were built not only to accommodate the changing times, but also to give the owners a chance to feel more in tune with nature. As a result, many of these houses were designed to blur the boundaries between inside and outside. They have used the surroundings to enhance the features of the house, using the lines of the roof to continue the lines of the landscape around the house.
Contemporary design
In contrast, contemporary architecture is rooted in the ‘present’. This means that these types of houses are generally innovative and forward-looking. However, the design of these houses is much more complex than their modern counterparts. Their design is freer and more artistic, drawing on all types of design rather than being a response to an era.
Although these house designs did not really gain popularity until the 1970s, it is important to remember that architecture does not originate from a specific movement or refer to a specific time period.
Since contemporary houses can have modern architectural features, it can be difficult at first to discern the differences between the two types of houses. The most important fact is that the architecture of contemporary houses is influenced by the styles that preceded it.
For example, a contemporary house today is very much inspired by the exterior architecture of a Craftsman style house, but prefers the large and spacious open spaces found in modern houses. With contemporary homes, no one style is dominant over another. Instead, contemporary architects can create a home that meets the needs of their client, such as adding a large architect’s window to provide a breathtaking view of nature.
One of the distinguishing features of many contemporary, newly built homes is that they are often built with sustainability in mind. They are generally environmentally friendly and energy efficient and use materials that are often repurposed for their intended use.
Another notable feature is that they are often built to serve as mixed-use spaces. Architects can incorporate solar panels to help heat and cool the home. Many high-end green features make the home more energy efficient. Mid-century modern and contemporary styles are currently very popular, inspiring many architects and interior designers today.
