Abstract To consider modern architecture, this paper considers the various steps that have occurred. It begins with a consideration of the Congres Internationaux d'Architecture Moderne (CIAM) architects and proceeds to Team X. This is followed by a look at New Brutalism and then leads to a look at the current state of architecture. This gives a view of the current state of architecture, as well as providing the context that allows the current state to be understood. From there, the paper looks ahead to the future of architecture and predicts what that future will look like, based on the trends that have been identified. The paper shows that architecture is ever-changing, while providing an overview of the changes that have taken place until now and the changes that can be expected to take place, leading to the future.
From the Paper "Architecture will never achieve some perfect state where everyone accepts that the one best form has now been achieved. The reason for this is that what is considered best changes as people change. This aspect applies to architecture as much as it does to any other art form or any item produced in society. People in one generation may strive for a certain perfect form and they may even achieve it in their lifetime. However, even if they do, this form does not become the one perfect standard, never changing again. Instead, the next generation considers what has been created before and strives to achieve something. If architecture is considered as art, this is the same process that occurs with all other forms of art. For example, literature created centuries ago does not remain as the one perfect form for literature. Shakespeare's work is still considered great, but the writers of today rarely create works similar to Shakespeare?s. Instead, they create works that reflect modern society, while possibly taking aspects of Shakespeare's work and building on them. This creates a continual process of change, where one form grows into others. If architecture is considered as practical rather than artistic, it can be likened more to research-based developments. For example, the automobile was first developed in the early 20th century. Since that time, technical developments have seen it change considerably. These changes are also in response to changing society. For example, currently environmental issues are a social concern. For this reason, automobiles are beginning to develop with alternatives modes of fuel. Overall, this shows that architecture is like everything else in society, in that it will be constantly changing as society changes, while each generation will consider the works that have gone before it, assess them, make changes, and in doing so, continue the development of the field."
Abstract This paper examines how modernist architecture became popular during the mid-twentieth century and how it was thought that its gleaming glass, steel and concrete buildings could help spread the faith that technology and planning could replace the slums with hygienic housing projects and create affluence for all. In contrast, it looks at how the New Urbanist movement is a tangible response to the failed modernist planning that has resulted in unchecked suburban sprawl, dependence on the automobile, and the abandonment and decay of cities.
From the Paper "Although the New Urbanists claim that traditional towns and urban neighbourhoods are more conducive to developing community and provide more life choices than contemporary suburban living, their critics counter that the New Urbanist designs are artificial, elitist, and open the door to increased intervention by government. Regardless of which view one takes, the interdisciplinary nature of the New Urbanist project coupled with the fact that the movement raises important issues concerning the theological and ethical dimensions of market activity and human anthropology, makes Markets & Morality an ideal forum in which to explore further the possible promises and potential perils of the New Urbanism."
