International Architecture

International style or International Architecture was a major architectural style that was developed during the 1920's and 1930's this decade was when modern architecture was beginning to form. International architecture was coined from the book by Henry Russell-Hitchcock and Philip Johnson.

For me International architecture is a great period in the history of architecture. It revealed only the essential, it showed that even with just simple lines and curves there is still beauty that can be seen and felt.  It was modern and even though it is decades old, it still looks as modern now as it was long ago.

International Architecture was mostly characterized by;

• Utilitarian materials
• Flat roof
• Flat, smooth, untextured surfaces; flat unornamented planes
• Rounded corners
• Ribbon windows often meeting at corners
• Metal casement windows 

Even though it was not ornamental the honesty in design brought out beauty from within. Honesty in a way that skeleton can be seen. Color was subtly used and black, grey and white were the ones mostly used. The greatest strength as well as the greatest weakness of international style was that its design was indifferent to the location, site and climate. Strength because the style doesn't make reference to its surroundings however it is also it's weakness since sometimes the design does not suit. But, for me it really doesn't matter since architecture is an ever evolving art and I think we as aspiring architects should not be limited to just one or two styles. We should be more open - minded and explore every possibility of  design that we might encounter.