Traditionalism VS Modernism - A take on architectural prefrences.

Have you ever pondered upon the fact that a random person created a style and it got a huge clout which made that style into a statement making it a standard to follow?

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Be it in art or architectural creative fields, we often learn about certain styles and it's elements, subconsciously knowing the fact that a person made these style's rules out of their mere imagination and we all follow them by heart. The adaptation of style makes it famous and brings in a era dedicated to that particular phenomenon. For example le Corbusier laid the rules of modernism and we till date follow it. so were the rules of traditional architecture which a person in past must have thought of and bought it into reality. People of present preach the architectural styles of past and call it as their traditional style.

The debate
We often get entangled into a furious debate about the preferences of styles in creative fields. Some may incline towards their traditional way of building and some might go with the trend considering it cool. But a hot topic on debate occurs often is -

Is modernism stealing the individuality of cultures?
A big question, as many people consider modernism getting the major acceptance is killing the individuality of styles of traditional architecture of different cultures.

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Each and every cultures has specific styles of architecture dedicated to their values and artistic preferences. It is usually derived directly from local settings which are site specific and in hue with social and cultural context.
For example the intricate gothic, neo classical, Islamic, Indian etc carvings and details. Some architectural details showcases the history through sculptures. Some traditional works of architecture comprises of pitched roof with steel bars on the wall and the list goes on.

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The cultural value this style of architecture holds surely represents the individuality based on socio- economical aspects. As people truly believed in putting so more to the design which is still appreciated and accepted.

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Traditional styles encompasses certain relevance to the past of the related culture. Since the modern architecture which has same rules worldwide has been hot subject of the era and has bought new style but this style being super simplistic, classy and slick has anyway took over the unique styles of construction and design of each cultures as people are evolving into modern era of glass and concrete leaving the old artistic style to be far away. As people now just find these styles in historic buildings and rarely into regular buildings.
Which has bought this question as modernism stealing the individuality of cultures.
But on the other hand if we donot evolve into new set of styles and use our mind into creating something new then what is the point of human brain's million of years of evolution?
Aren't we supposed to grow and build something new which our future generation will call old style and create something extraordinary and feasible design which will top our style and thus letting the chain continue.

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Modernism generally include simplistic curves lines and angles which focuses on the structural elements and it's purity. The traditional decorations, elements and history telling sculptures are all eliminated in modernism.
The sleekness is on trend not just exterior but interior is much more appreciated when it's all modern be it any restaurant or residence, People are picking this specific style.

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Modernism got plenty of colours popping and basically the lines and angles remain simplistic. It is widely accepted and appreciated.
But this style comes up with monotony.

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The monotonous High rise
We mostly witness the structures these days to be of metal, glass and concrete façade as these three are the prominent face of exterior of any high rise.
Since high rise are constructed for vertical inhabitation of people on smaller portion of land and there are uncountable usages of high rise building but considering the fact that rarely any high rise building are set apart in appearance is true. The monotonous look of most of the buildings is bitter truth of today's modernism. Idolising a single look and makeing multiple copies of that will only bring in boring structures all around.

Wonder if all the cultures accepted just one style and just stop experimenting with it like it happens today mostly then how boring our cultural values must be now. That goodness that people from past were well rooted in design values and considered it as an important aspect of their lives.

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Keeping a foot in almost any public space like mall etc feels like they are usually simplistic and basic more look alike. There are only handful of structures in any city which are truly set apart. Sadly people donot consider going out of limit maybe constraint to time or money but still creating similar structures is go to new reality.
I had a first hand experience with this reality. Actually modernism can be very specific and creative considering how creative and in depth you are ready to go for the design but people {In my case the project seniors and client} didn't had that zest of creating out of the box but under modernism and they went with the similar design as most of the building follows.
Thus bringing in the point of discussion i.e. -Is modernism stealing the individuality of cultures?

The Partial Solution
The solution is very simple, I believe modern is equality important as traditional architecture. But in order to restore the individuality which clearly modern architecture lacks, People needs to be more concerned and sensitive towards design, conceptuality and not just functionality.
Understanding, evolving and adding in their two cents of ideas would be beneficial as it will bring rise to much creative, individual and unique designs which will not be monotonous and will possess some quality and will be known for decades by it's cultural roots and not just same glass façade.
To be honest this is quite hard to follow since most of people are not concerned for design and as long as this attitude of most of the society doesn't change, It will be hard to break the chain of monotony.


What are your two cents on this subject? let's discuss some solution to the problem of modernism stealing the individuality of cultures.


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People nowadays prefer modern architecture and simplicity, if I need to say one word, now people are attached to minimalism. But somehow we are still connected with our tradition and traditional architecture always carries our culture and history. Whether people from nowadays adopt traditional architecture or not, it will be always within us...

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Hey pal @priyanarc I totally agree that traditional architecture will always be within us weather people adopt it or not.
Thanks for stopping by and I wish you great day ahead :D

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[ESP]
Hola amiga querida @sahiba-rana te saludo con respeto cariño desde la República Bolivariana de Venezuela, gracias por traer, en esta publicación, el interesante tema del Tradicionalismo Vs Modernismo en la arquitectura.
Siempre se ha dicho que: "entre gustos y colores no han escritos los autores" y la Ley Campoamor (que se usa a modo de metáfora, o de recurso retórico), del famoso poeta español Ramón de Campoamor, dice lo siguiente:
«Y es que en el mundo traidor
nada hay verdad ni mentira:
todo es según el color
del cristal con que se mira»
lo que nos indica que en todas las facetas de la vida la realidad es, a veces, sesgada, dependiendo del valor que el individuo le de. Cuando se trata de arquitectura de ayer o de hoy, los estilos tienen su particular belleza y cuando se combinan las épocas lo que se obtiene puede gustar o no. En cuanto al tradicionalismo yo lo veo mas ligado a valores culturales que el vanguardismo que es mas pracmático. NOTA: Puedo estar equivocado pero es lo que creo. Por lo demás, te felicito por esta publicación y el magistral debate, esperemos a ver que opinan nuestros hermanos arquitectos, diseñadores o profesionales del área que hacen vida en esta valiosa comunidad. Voy a estar atento al comentario de mi admirado amigo Erne @storiesoferne. Te felicito por tan excelente publicación. Recibe un fuerte y cálido abrazo espiritual lleno de bendiciones, energía positiva y mucha luz.

     

[ENG]
Hello dear friend @sahiba-rana I greet you with respect, affection from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, thank you for bringing, in this publication, the interesting topic of Traditionalism Vs Modernism in architecture.
It has always been said that: "between tastes and colors the authors have not written" and the Campoamor Law (which is used as a metaphor, or rhetorical device), of the famous Spanish poet Ramón de Campoamor, says the following:
«And it is that in the traitorous world
there is nothing true or false:
everything is according to the color
of the glass you look at»
which indicates that in all facets of the Life reality is, sometimes, skewed, depending on the value that the individual places on it. When it comes to the architecture of yesterday or today, styles have their particular beauty and when the eras are combined, what you get may or may not be liked. As for traditionalism, I see it more linked to cultural values ​​than avant-garde, which is more pracmatic. NOTE: I may be wrong but it is what I presume. For the rest, I congratulate you for this publication and the masterful debate, let's wait to see what our brothers, architects, designers or professionals in the area who make life in this valuable community think. I will be attentive to the comment of my admired friend Erne @storiesoferne.
I congratulate you for such an excellent publication. Receive a strong and warm spiritual hug full of blessings, positive energy and lots of light.

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Greetings friend @marcosmilano71 hope you're doing well. I totally agree from your perspective as both traditional and modern architecture holds value in society.
It's upon an individual's perspective as to how they interpret the subject. Your vision is crystal clear and I could relate with your words.
Thanks for stopping by and participating in the discussion. I wish you and your lovely family great health. :D

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Hello, my dear Sahiba @sahiba-rana. Personally, if I were to choose between Traditionalism versus Modernism, my best answer would be: it depends. "Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder", as the famous saying goes. Because architecture is an extremely subjective field, one size doesn't fit all. Depending on the culture, tradition, lifestyle of a nation, and most especially, the individual choices of the occupants or owners of these constructed spaces, design styles would vary. On some occasions, people are more inclined to old-school signatures while others simply prefer the more recent and modern approach to buildings. Not too often, we also notice a fusion of both worlds - the interesting mixture of traditional (old) and modern (new) elements otherwise known as the Eclectic architectural character.

Above all, in my professional experience, what truly matters is the positive human experience and the favorable impact these built environments eventually contribute to their users and inhabitants. What's the true purpose of an architectural style if its outcome doesn't make clients happy, productive, healthy, and sustained, isn't it? I do hope this has justified your argument. Does this make sense to you as well my friend Marcos @marcosmilano71? Thank you so much for publishing this significant topic. Have a lovely weekend! 😊

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Greetings dear @storiesoferne It is indeed subjective and after all it depends upon client and the part about fusion you highlighted is the ideal way indeed.
Thank you so much for your remarkable comment in the discussion.
Thanks again for always supporting, I wish you great weekend, Stay healthy :D

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Greetings @sahiba-rana what a great publication, I enjoyed reading it. By the way, when it comes to structural and interior design I prefer simplistic or minimalistic design.

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Thank you for sharing this amazing post on HIVE!
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Hello friend @sahiba-rana I admire your publication, you have made your own analysis and I congratulate you for touching these interesting points within the architecture that has undergone changes, like everything throughout history. The world moves forward and yet some aspects that we continue to see in modernity remain rooted and architecture does not escape from this. That is why movements have arisen that mix the ancient with the modern, creating styles committed to the traditions of different cultures around the world. Of course, adapting to the needs according to human evolution. But within modernity, we do not escape from traditionalism, it never dies, I am sure of that and that is why it is inspiring in every region and culture. Blessings and happy week friend.

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(Edited)

What a remarkable comment dear friend @sorprendente I absolutely agree with your perspective as that is true.
Thanks for stopping by and going through the entire publication, I wish you great week ahead.

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Well done @sahiba-rana! We're happy to inform you that this publication was specially curated and awarded GOLD MARK in Architecture Brew #51. Congratulations!

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Thank you so much @aplusd I am super glad and happy.

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Always a tremendous pleasure to have you with us @sahiba-rana. Congrats and stay as awesome as you are. Cheers. 😀

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It was a good read. The discussion on individuality of culture and how it seemingly lost in modernity is really good. I also like the solution you offered at the end of the write up. Design must be sensitive to the cultural norm of the area despite how modern-inspired the design is. Enjoy a slice of !PIZZA

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Yes, @sahiba-rana Individuality shoyld come between traditional and modern architecture, design should be built to suit one's taste not about what is invoke and old ways of doing things. This is a good article we must all read , digest and put to action. Thanks

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