Modernism is a broad term given to a variety of design approaches in architecture, with common characteristics being the simplification of form and elimination of ornament. Throughout the Northwest, the Modern home has evolved, combining the Modern aesthetic with the natural beauty of the surroundings.
1928
Many consider Paul Thiry the progenitor of Modern architecture in the Pacific Northwest. He graduated from the University of Washington in 1928 and his small but influential firm brought the European International Style of architecture to the area. At about the same time Lionel Pries arrived at the University of Washington to join the faculty.
1945-1970
The end of WW II, the “GI” Bill, the baby boom, a general sense of optimism, and a shortage of housing in the American west set the stage for a Modern architecture housing boom. Thiry and Pries along with Pietro Belluschi and John Yeon in the Portland, Oregon area influenced a whole generation of young Northwest architects interested in Modernism. This influence combined with the factors listed above gave us a “Northwest Regionalism” and a specific identity in the Modern architecture movement.
1975-1990
Modern’s Dark Ages. With only a few wonderful exceptions, the Modern aesthetic was hit hard by Post-Modernism. Modern was redefined as cold. We believe much of this was caused by the poor use of Modern concepts in the institutional setting, most notably in the public housing projects of the old Soviet Union and Eastern Block but also in North America and parts of Asia. The proverbial baby was thrown out with the bathwater and all Modern was affected no matter how great or timeless the architecture.
1990-2000
The Re-embrace of Modern. About this time a new generation of young, smart people began to come into their own. Many of these folks had grown up in the homes of the 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s watching James Bond movies and living in and around Modern architecture. They had a sense for it. Popular culture began to shift; magazines started using primary colors, more angular designs. Vintage Modern furniture became popular moving many manufactures to reissue Modern designs, and a mid-century classic Modern preservation movement began to take root. Architects took note and we started seeing Modern design concepts again often with new materials utilizing newer building techniques.
2000-Today
Modern is Green/Green is Modern. Modern architecture is uniquely suited for the green consciousness of today. Most talented architects have embraced Modern design incorporating green materials in innovative ways. Architects are now designing homes to capture both active and passive solar energy, including water catchment systems, where practical, and so much more to raising efficiency standards. Modernism is now in a time of growth and innovation. Locally, architects like Eric Cobb, Tom Kundig, Heather Johnston, John DeForest and Jim Burton are carrying the modernist vision forward.