The history of modern architecture shows the personality of the architect who designed it. This style began in the United States and Europe. It then spread from there to the rest of the world. Modern architects reacted against the architecture of the 19th century; they thought it borrowed too many ideas from the past. As the 20th century began they believed it was necessary to invent an architecture that expressed the spirit of a new age and would surpass the styles, materials, and technologies of earlier architecture. New materials that were introduced were glass, steel, and concrete. The Crystal Palace was built entirely of cast iron. It was designed by Sir Joseph Paxton. .
Over the years iron and concrete formed the technological basis for much modern architecture. In 1779 English architect Thomas Pritchard designed the first structure built entirely of cast iron.
The Eiffel Tower was built for the World's Fair in 1889. The architect who designed it was named Gustave Alexandre Eiffel. The Eiffel Tower is a cross braced latticed girder with minimum wind resistance. It weights 7000 tons. It's the highest quality wrought iron. .
The Seagram Building was built in New York City. One of the leading architects was Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. He was a German American. The skyscrapers that he designed were made entirely out of glass and steel. They were very influential. The Seagram building is 37 stories high.
.
The House in this next picture was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1930's. This was designed for the Kaufman family. This house was built over a waterfall. This next picture was designed by Frank Gehry in 1997. It is a museum in Bilbao.
.
This style is very important because it shows you the new age. Also if this style was not invented all of us would still be living in the past. If this style did not ever happen then weak would be a weak country because we would have never developed as much as we could have.