International Style – An Expression of Minimalism and Simplicity

The international style developed between 1920 and 1930 and was closely related to Modern architecture. The style emerged in Germany, Holland, and France and spread throughout the world.

A glass curtain wall is the most common feature adopted in International Style.

Prominent Architects

• Walter Gropius
• Le Corbusier
• Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe
• Philip Johnson

Characteristics and Features of International Style

• Free plans
• Rectilinear forms
• Interlocking spaces
• The emphasis on volume over mass
• Universality
• Light-weight materials
• Mass production of Industrial materials – Steel, concrete, and glass
• Dematerialization
• Lack of ornamentation and color
• Repetitive modular forms
• Flat surfaces

Architectural Elements of International Style

• Piloti or Piers ( Cantilevered Stilted structures)
• Flat facade
• Roof overhangs
• Horizontal and vertical planes
• Visually lightweight

Examples of International Style

1. Villa Savoye

• Building: Villa Savoye
• Function/Use: Villa
• Location: Poissy, Paris, France
• Date of construction: 1928-31
• Architect: Le Corbusier
• Key Features: Five points of new architecture
• Materials Used: Reinforced concrete
• Universal Value: UNESCO World Heritage Site

Structure and Facade:

Villa Savoye is one of the finest and most renowned examples of International style in which Le Corbusier excels in his design with his “five points.” The five points include:

• Pilotis – elevating the building from the earth
• Free ground floor – ground floor for parking and greenery
• Free façade – separation of load-bearing columns from the walls
• Ribbon window – Long horizontal windows for ventilation
• Terrace garden – Roof serving as a garden

The design of the villa explores the relationship between surface and volume. Modularity, pure color, simplicity, and lack of ornamentation are other key features of this villa.

2. German Pavilion

• Building: German Pavilion
• Function/Use: Exhibition building
• Location: Barcelona, Spain
• Date of construction: 1928 – 29
• Architect: Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe
• Key Features: Simple form and spectacular use of materials and water bodies
• Materials Used: Polished stone, glass, steel frame

Structure and Facade:

The built form is simplistic and emphasizes horizontal and vertical lines depicting solids and voids as well as the presence of a water body that compliments the built form. While the glass curtain wall creates a seamless boundary between indoors and outdoors, the water bodies complement the textures with their reflections. With their true nature of materials, the concrete and stone exhibit their fine lines and strokes that further enhance their appeal.

The pavilion was designed bare only as a structure to exhibit art with only a single sculpture, a specially designed chair as well as a water feature that finely reflects the pavilion. White, grey, and black tones dominate the facade aesthetics.

3. Farnsworth House

• Building: Farnsworth House
• Function/Use: One-room weekend retreat
• Location: Plano, Illinois
• Date of construction: 1945 – 51
• Architect: Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe
• Key Features: Simple cuboidal form
• Materials Used: Steel frame structure, glass curtain wall
• Universal Value: U.S. National Register of Historic Places, U.S. National Historic Landmark

Structure and Facade:

Farnsworth house is one of the finest examples of International style with its simple cuboidal form built of steel frame structure and glass curtain wall. It is elevated 1.6m high from the ground by steel columns. Even though the framework of the structure is exposed, it perfectly complements the aesthetics of the facade expresses the design, and also provides continuity.

The façade is painted in pure white color and the glass curtain wall that runs from floor to ceiling blends the interior with the exterior of the building. The elevated deck, horizontal slabs, and the glass in combination with nature appear to be visually lightweight.

4. S.R. Crown Hall

• Building: S.R. Crown Hall
• Function/Use: IIT Campus
• Location: Chicago, Illinois
• Date of construction: 1950-56
• Architect: Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe
• Key Features: Simple cuboidal form
• Materials Used: Steel structural frames, glass walls
• Universal Value: U.S. National Register of Historic Places, U.S. National Historic Landmark

Structure and Facade:

The structure is designed in a simple cuboidal form with an emphasis on industrial materials of exposed steel structural frames and glass walls.

Architect Mies Van der Rohe refined the basic steel and glass into an appealing simple, and openness for end users. This was achieved by pure rectangular form, raised platform, suspended roof, equal division of steel frames, and free-flowing plan.

5. Johnson House(Glass House)

• Building: Johnson House/Glass House
• Function/Use: Historic house museum
• Location: New Canaan, Connecticut
• Date of construction: 1947-1949
• Architect: Philip Johnson
• Key Features: Geometry, proportion, transparency and reflection
• Materials Used: Glass, steel
• Universal Value: U.S. National Register of Historic Places, U.S. National Historic Landmark

Structure and Facade:

The building’s design – simple rectangular plan and facade is one of the finest examples of minimalism, pure geometry, and proportion, and the glass walls for their transparency and minimalism.

The adobe rests in the Johnson’s estate overlooking a pond. A pathway of gravel strips leads to the entrance of the dwelling, which is 17m long, 9.8m wide, and 3.2m high. Enclosed with glass walls and steel columns, the functional spaces such as the kitchen, dining, and sleeping areas share a common area. While the bathroom stands in the middle with circular brick wall projecting from ground to ceiling. Charcoal painted steel and glass complements the exteriors. Thus, the building exhibits transparency and connects with the beautiful outdoors.

6. Lovell House or Lovell Health House

• Building: Lovell House or Lovell Health House
• Function/Use: Residence
• Location: Los Angeles, California
• Date of construction: 1927-1929
• Architect: Richard Neutra
• Key Features: Minimalism, Cubism, and simplicity
• Materials Used: steel frame, gunite(sprayed-on concrete)
• Universal Value: U.S. National Register of Historic Places, Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument

Structure and Facade:

This three-story house designed by the architect reflects many features of the International style. Cubism, transparency, and minimalism characterize its interiors. Additionally, he incorporated the concept of industrial production, evident in the repetitive window assemblies that are factory-made.

7. Villa Tugendhat

• Building: Villa Tugendhat
• Function/Use: Residence
• Location: Brno, Czech Republic
• Date of construction: 1928-1930
• Architect: Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe and Lilly Reich
• Key Features: Minimalism, Cubism, and simplicity
• Materials Used: reinforced concrete, industrial building materials, steel beams
• Universal Value: UNESCO World Heritage Site

Structure and Facade:

The villa reflects the main principle of architect Mies Van der Rohe: “Less is more”, which also concentrates on functionality. It stands on a slope and comprises three floors: the first floor: entrance hall and rooms for parents; the ground floor: main living, social areas, and conservatory; the terrace: kitchen, and servant rooms.

The villa was designed with innovative concepts of utilizing space and industrial materials developed at that time. Revolutionary iron framework, interiors with space utilization, ample ventilation, customized furnishings, naturally patterned materials, and use of modern technology – all form an integral part of the design.