The Globalisation of modern architecture: the impact of politics economics and social change on architecture and urban design since 1900

This blog has been made in accordance to module requirements for the Architecture in Context module at Nottingham Trent University in relation to BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design. In total I have 23 readings to examine and provide an opinionated summary of the reading.

Reading in accordance to lecture: The idea of Modern Architecture: Adolf Loos, Art Deco, pre-war architecture. 15/10/2014

This summary is based upon reading pages 7-29

The Globalisation of modern architecture: the impact of politics, economics and social change on architecture and urban design since 1900 – Robert Adam, ebrary, inc, 2012

All human settlements were connected between the fithteenth and seventeenth century thanks to European voyage and exploration. This allowed countries to trade their goods with others, or to isolate them if they so wished.  Cultures and governments and wealth would influence the arts and styles of architecture; which is turn produced nationalism and patriotic citizens. I noticed a trend that Internationalism would not follow through from strong nationalist countries, especially is the country had an extreme government: such as Germany and Japan left their signatories for the League of Nations. Architecture was also used as a status symbol; Russia’s Monument to the third international wasn’t erected but its style and size symbolised Russia’s power and advances against other nations. Further more Architecture has also been used to represent nations; The Eiffel Tower is instantly associated and recognised as Paris, France. Architecture is used as a symbol as well as an expression of art.

Classical Architecture I believe has been spread internationally, but has been developed into various styles nationally through culture and religion. Advances in technology and industry have in my opinion sped up the slow-paced architectural movements. The 21^st century has seen astonishing advances of engineering and Architecture: the first mechanised flight in 1903, atomic bombs to the first skyscrapers. Architecture is rapidly progressing with the combination of science and design allowing new processes and materials to develop; in return allowing previous limits to be limitless and architecture to perform in whatever forms desired.