Stripped Classicism

Stripped Classicism

Stripped Classicism is an architectural style that emerged in the early 20th century as a response to the excesses of Beaux-Arts architecture. It is characterized by a simplified, pared-down version of classical forms, with an emphasis on clean lines, plain surfaces, and a lack of ornamentation. The style was popularized by architects such as Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius, who sought to create a modern architecture that was both functional and beautiful. One of the key features of Stripped Classicism is the use of modern materials such as concrete, steel, and glass. These materials allowed architects to create buildings that were both strong and lightweight, and which could be built quickly and efficiently. Another important aspect of the style is the use of geometric forms, such as squares, circles, and triangles, which were seen as a way to express the rationality and order of the modern world. Despite its modernist roots, Stripped Classicism was also influenced by the classical tradition, particularly the work of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Architects sought to capture the timeless beauty and elegance of classical architecture, while also adapting it to the needs of the modern world. This resulted in buildings that were both classical and modern, and which represented a new synthesis of old and new. Overall, Stripped Classicism represents a unique moment in the history of architecture, when architects sought to create a new language of form and space that was both modern and classical. Its legacy can be seen in many of the iconic buildings of the 20th century, from the United Nations headquarters in New York to the National Gallery in London.

architecture, modernism, classical tradition, geometric forms, materials

— Matthew Anderson