12 Aug 2020
Report on Guest Lecture on World Architecture- Early 20th Century
Subject: Contemporary Architecture (History of Architecture-V)
Agenda: World Architecture- Early 20th century
Speakers: Prof. Anup Kumar Prasad
Platform: Microsoft Team
Dates: 12th August 2020 (1:40pm to 3:30pm)
Participants: 75 Students, 5th Semester, School of Architecture
Teachers: Professor Vidya Srikanth
Asso. Prof. Neeraja Jayan
Asst. Prof. Shwetha B
A guest lecture by Prof. Anup Kumar Prasad on World Architecture- Early 20th Century was arranged for 5th sem students on 12th August 2020, through MS Teams.
Modernist architecture, or modernism, is a style that emerged in the early-20th century in response to large-scale changes in both technology and society. It is associated with the function of buildings, a logical use of materials, the elimination of ornament and decoration, and openness to structural innovation. Several different styles of modern architecture in the United States and European countries developed between 1930 and 1970 such as the International, Expressionist, Brutalist, Hi-Tech and International movements. The roots of modern architecture can be traced to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, which was composed entirely of cutting-edge buildings and strengthened these regions as world leaders in art, architecture, and technology.
The lecture specifically aimed to demonstrate development of architecture around the world from 16th to early 20th century. Prof. Anup, began his lecture by summarizing the transformative periods of history between 5th to 15th century AD. He explained the importance of Garden City Movement and the factors which led to urban planning.
Prof. Anup also introduced two terms-Metropolis and Megalopolis. Megalopolis is a cluster of well-networked cities, a term first used in the early 20th century. These can occur for a variety of reasons since certain areas tend to attract more growth than others. Geography can play a large role in the location of megalopolises, as can good international and regional transport links. Whereas a metropolis, from the Greek for ‘mother city’, was initially the places from which settlers were sent to discover and colonize other areas. It has since developed into a descriptive term for large cities that are key centers of national and regional socio-economic activity, sharing many of the same characteristics with a global city.
He also emphasized the importance of landscape architecture during this time. Prof. Anup further explained the different types of ISMS which defined the Modern architecture in 19th and 20th century and the master Architects who became the pillars for these movements. Prof. Anup also outlined the importance of Industrial Revolution in the 19th century. Finally, he briefly explained the progression into Post-modernism and the factors led to the same.
Learning outcome
The students shall be able to easily relate the following component of the lecture World Architecture-Late 20th century, 2020. The students shall be also be able to compile portfolio sheets on topics related ISMS, Industrial revolution, Brutalism, Megalopolis, Megacity and Metropolis.
