Journal 8
Adolf Loos, who was an Austrian and Czech architect, was an influential theorist of modernity and had a major impact in the development of architecture during the 20th century. I was interested in his ideas of architecture, techniques, and style. Specifically, the controversial idea of how ornament being a crime against the national. This is because he states that ornaments and decorations are considered to be a waste of labor time. He believes that the capital that are used to produce decorative details can be a sign of decline.
The Steiner House by Adolf Loos located at Vienna reflects his architectural style. The symmetry displays elegance. The facade does not only display symmetry but proportion. Additionally, the space inside is innovative because of how it is organized into cubes, boxes, cylinders but in a volumetric way. The way it is divided into squares and rectangles reflects the modular system which correlate with geometry perfectly. Loos wanted to play with different sizes for the openings. Also, here were no tiles, gold, or any architectural designs that were popular during that time period seen.
Loos being an influential architect towards modern architecture shows that many of his minimalist techniques were reflected in Le Corbusier and many more modernist architects. This altered the way many architects perceived decoration and ornaments during this time. Le Corbusier believed in the idea of ornament being a crime. For example, Le Corbusier’s Villa Savoye, represents modernity and shows how he was inspired by Loos’ ideas. Another work that displays modernity is the Dom-ino House. He focused on many modern techniques by reinforcing concrete as its main material. This is because he believed that concrete gave him many resources. This design was similar with Adolf Loos Steiner House because of its minimalistic techniques which was new and considered to be innovative.
Steiner House – Adolf Loos
Villa Savoye – Le Corbusier
Dom-Ino House – Le Corbusier
Arts & Architecture Case Study (Case Study House for 1949)
- How was the design of the house successful?
- What were the problems that were brought up and how were they solved?
Case Study House Announcement
- Why was the shape and form of post war living a primary importance to a great many American’s?
- How did they resolve the controversy of those who believed in miracles and those who are dead set against them?
Esther McCoy
- Why was it important for them to have a new direction in landscape design?
- Why was Ralph Rapson’s project of the unbuilt considered to be the most innovative?