Architects create the space around us so that it serves people and the environment. They are primarily responsible for the vision of the project, as well as whether clients and the community are satisfied with the results. Today’s architects work differently than their prototypes, but the form of their tasks has not changed. Introducing the contemporary architects you should know.
As in most types of art, so in architecture trends change. Different styles mix with each other, creating interesting combinations. Contemporary architects are masters of their craft, who use the right combinations and thus create exceptional, unique objects.
Le Corbusier (1887-1965) is considered to be one of the most influential architects of the first half of the 20th century. He is a pioneer of the modernist style, whose theories shaped the way we think about residential modern architecture for many years. The style, of which he was the creator and one of the main representatives, dominated architecture until the 1980s
The austere aesthetics characteristic of this architect still has many followers today. Interestingly, Le Corbusier did not graduate from any architectural school. His buildings can still be seen today in Germany, France and Switzerland, among others.
Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) was one of the pioneers of American style and organic architecture. He is also considered one of the creators of the idea of open space.
In his works he focused not on the design of the building itself, but mainly on its surroundings. In his opinion, each building and its shape should result from the surrounding nature. What was important for him was the relationship between man and space, and that is why his designs of residential buildings were supposed to be adapted to their inhabitants. He used natural materials as one of the main raw materials. Among the most famous works of this architect are the Royal Hotel in Tokyo and the Price Tower in Bartlesville.
Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) changed his style over the years, but the most important for him was that the buildings were not only functional, but also constituted a unity with the environment. Thanks to his creativity and play with form he became one of the first representatives of Scandinavian modernism. In the first period of his work, he referred in his designs to classicism, however he is most often associated with functionalism. All buildings designed by him had to have their function, there was no question of coincidence
He combined the utilitarian aspect with simplicity, thanks to which his ideas are now iconic. After World War II Aalto designed in the spirit of expressionism. The most characteristic features were wavy lines of walls and monopitch roofs. The most famous projects of this architect are Aalto Theatre in Essen and Kunsten Museum of Contemporary Art in Aalborg.
Zaha Hadid (1950-2016) broke the stereotype of the “male profession”, which was an architect, and successfully climbed to the top. She became a kind of postmodern style icon. She lectured at prestigious universities and, what is important, was the first to win the award called the “architectural Nobel” – the Pritzker Prize. She is the author of the Olympic Aquatics Centre in London and Galaxy Soho in Beijing.
Although only a few names have been mentioned, the world knows many great contemporary architects who are making construction history with their designs. Other esteemed names are also worth getting acquainted with.
Main photo: Luca Bravo/unsplash.com
