Architectural Modernism in the 21st Century

The last half of the 20th century witnessed a variety
of stylistic responses to the architectural theories
of Modernism. Late Modernists diverged into three
camps: “the Whites” re-visited early 20th century
Bauhaus-era Modernism; the “Silvers” embraced
corporate efficiency of impersonal glass towers; and
Minimalists meditated in Zen simplicity of wood,
stone and glass. By the century’s end, they were
joined by Deconstructivists, who disrupted formal
order with computer-generated complexity and Eco-
Tech afficionados who turned to high-tech solutions
to save the planet. Join architectural historian Diane
Kane in four informative lectures to assess how
these various design approaches have evolved during
the first quarter of the 21st century.

July 9: Gone Global

Japan has been highly influential in both High
Tech and Minimalism. But with the rise of global
capitalism, China, Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, Korea,
Singapore and Saudi Arabia have taken the lead.
What is the role of their cultures and traditional
building practices in creating an authentic sense
of place with modern materials, engineering and
construction?

August 5: 21st Century High-Tech

How have new technologies and materials inspired
the current generation of designers to build the
unthinkable? Be amazed by how computer-aided
design and advances in lightweight, strong and
flexible materials have enabled construction
of unusual, weird and wonderful structures in
sometimes unbelievable locations.

August 6: Gone Green

With scientific and technological advances informed
by traditional building approaches, Eco-Tech and
Low Tech are addressing climate change with new
solutions to address a warming planet and sea level
rise. Meanwhile, Eco Tourism has inspired new
building types to attract, accommodate and enchant
visitors. Has global travel helped or hurt our warming
planet?

August 20: Cities of the Future

The world’s population is growing and on the move.
Where and how will we live in the future? Explore
new concepts for urbanization from Saudi Arabia,
China, South America and right here in the U.S.