Somuel Meresa

ADIGRAT UNIVERSITY
Department of Architecture
Theory of Architecture 2
Individual assignment
Somuel Meresa
Id no 10608011
Ideology and symbolism
approaches in architecture
with focuse of 20th century
architecture
The 20th century was a time of significant change and
diversity in architectural ideology. Throughout the century,
several major movements and approaches emerged, each with
its own unique ideology and design principles.
In the 20th century, architecture was heavily influenced by
ideological and symbolic approaches. These approaches aimed
to express or represent specific ideologies, beliefs, or cultural
values through architectural design.
The ideology and symbolism approach to architecture in the
20th century emphasized the importance of using
architecture as a tool to convey political, social, and cultural
values.
Ideology approach
The ideology approach to architecture in the 20th century refers
to the belief that architectural design should reflect or promote
a specific set of political, social, or cultural ideas. Architects who
followed this approach sought to create buildings that
expressed their ideological beliefs or contributed to larger
societal goals.
The ideology approach to architecture in the 20th century refers
to the various philosophical and conceptual frameworks that
influenced architectural thought and practice during that period.
This era witnessed a diverse range of ideologies and approaches
that shaped architectural design, urban planning, and constructi
on techniques.
The ideological approach to architecture in the 20th century
refers to the use of architecture to express and reflect specific
political, social, or cultural ideologies. Architects and designers
intentionally incorporated the principles and values of particular
movements or regimes into their designs, aiming to embody
the ideals of those ideologies. This approach often involved
creating structures that were visually and symbolically
representative of the political or social order of the time.
There are several examples of the ideological approach to archit

ecture in the 20th century. Here are a few prominent examples:
Nazi architecture in
Germany:
During the 1930s and 1940s, Na
zi architecture sought to
embody the ideals of the Nazi
Party. intended to convey power,
authority, and the glorification Zeppelinfeld Germany
of the Nazi regime.
Soviet Constructivism:
Constructivism In
the early 20th century, the
Soviet Union embraced the
ideology of communism and
sought to create buildings that
reflected socialist principles. Narkomfin building Moscow
Fascist architecture in Italy: During the
rule of Benito Mussolini, Italian architecture
was heavily influenced by fascist ideals.
Bauhaus movement:
movement Founded in Germany
by architect Walter Gropius in 1919, aimed
Foro Italico Rome
to integrate art, design, and architecture to
serve the social needs of the time. The
Bauhaus movement expressed ideals of
modernism, simplicity,
Brutalist architecture:
architecture Arising in the mid-
20th century, Brutalism express the
aesthetic power and permanence of
concrete, evoking an ideology of strength
and honesty. Barbican estate London
The ideology approach can be seen
different movements and styles, such as:
1-Modernism:
Modernism emerged in early 20th c
driven by the ideology of progress,
functionalism,.Modernist architects aimed
to create simple, functional, and devoid
of decorative elements, emphasizing Bauhaus building in Dessau
clean lines and geometric forms.
2-Postmodernism
Postmodernism: emerged in late
20th c rejected the strict functionalism
of Modernism and embraced a more
playful and eclectic approach. Postmodern
architects Incorporated historical
references, Hollyhock house Los Angeles
3-Functionalism
Functionalism (mid-20th c):
prioritized practicality over aesthetics,
create efficient and cost-effective
structures through prefabricated
components. Architects eliminate
unnecessary features and emphasize
the structural Integrity of building
National theater London
4-Deconstructivism: emerged in the
1980s, rejected conventional notions of
form and structure and bring
fragmented and distorted designs. It
aimed to deconstruct traditional
architectural principles, and norm and
pushing the boundaries of Design Guggenheim musium Bilbao
Symbolism approach
This approach refers to the use of architectural elements and
features to convey deeper meanings, emotions,or ideas. This
approach become prominent in the 20 century with architects
striving to express cultural, societal,or personal narratives
Uthrough their designs.
This approach emphasized the use of architectural elements
such as arches, columns, and domes, along with materials such
as stone and marble, to create buildings that conveyed a sense
of permanence, authority, and historicism, with meanings that
may extend beyond the tangible.
Here are some key aspects of the symbolism approach to archit
ecture in the 20th century:
1. Art Nouveau (1890-1910): Art Nouveau embraced symbolism
through the use of nature-inspired designs that emphasized
curvilinear shapes, organic forms, and intricate details. Art
Nouveau architects participated in a backlash against the
industrialization of Western society and adopted a philosophy
that focused on the beauty and importance of nature.
.2. Expressionism (1910-1920): Expressionism was a
movement that emerged in Germany, which largely rejected the
strictures of Realism. As a result, Expressionist architects
turned to symbolism, using designs and images that conveyed
subjective and emotional experiences. Architects employed an
innovative use of materials, such as brick, glass, and concrete, to
create buildings with unusual forms and striking details.
.3. Modernism (1920-1940): The Modernist movement rejected
traditional styles and embraced a new, minimalist aesthetic tha
t relied on clean lines, simplicity, and functionality. The design of
modernist buildings increasingly became symbolic, representing
the values of rationality, technological progress, and social unity.
4. Postmodernism (1970s-1980s): As an opposition to the mo
dernist movement, postmodernism embraced symbolism and re
introduced ornamentation, allegory, and metaphor. Postmodern
architecture was characterized by references to historical styles,
allusions to popular culture and a preoccupation with symbolis
m and representation
5. Deconstructivism (1980s-1990s): Deconstructivism was an
architectural style that emerged in the late 20th century. It reje
cted traditional design principles and instead focused on breakin
g down and distorting forms. The architecture emphasizes uniq
ue angles and geometry, leading to buildings that often appear
almost abstract in design.
Examples of buildings with symbolism approach
Casa batlo in Barcelona spain
Designed by Antoni Gaudi
Art Nouveau style
The skeletal like balconies, colour full
Mosaic tiles and organic shapes
represents various natural elements
and mathlogical narrations.
Sydney Opera House, Ausralia
Designed by Jorn utzone
Deconstructivism style
Sail like roof forms evoke asense
of motion, representing the
dynamic nature of performing
art
Falling water, us
Designed by Frank lyode write
Sustainable style
The cantlivered balconies and
terraces sybolize the harmony be
tween human habitation and
nature
Votive church Australia
Designed by Frederic von Schmidt
Symbolize the thankfulness for
survival from cholera pandemic
Veitnam veterans memorial.

Designed by Maya Lin
Have 2 black granite block engrav
ed with the name of soldiers died
during Vietnam war .The
reflective surface symbolises the
viewers connection with the
names creating powerful and
emotional experience.

Somuel Meresa

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Somuel Meresa

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Somuel Meresa

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

ADIGRAT UNIVERSITY

There are several examples of the ideological approach to archit

Veitnam veterans memorial.

You might also like