Why does Jamaica Love Modern Architecture?
Villa Lucca
Modern architecture has something for everyone. Even if your taste may veer towards the opposite side of the design spectrum, there are still elements of modern design that will appeal to you. The fundamentals of modern architecture are clean and simple. Its ever-present philosophy abides by the ideal that form follows function. Therefore, modern architects express themselves through simplicity, clear views of structural elements, and eschewing unnecessary design details.
The modern architecture boasts the actual structure and materials used in the building vs. covering them up with ornate designs. That is why most modern designs feature elements of wood, steel, and glass, in order to show off these industrial structural materials. So what makes people in Jamaica fall in love with it:
The definition of Modern Architecture
The terms “modern” and “contemporary” have been intermingled in the design world, resulting in a bit of confusion. A kind of confusion that leads us to ask: Is contemporary architecture design the same as modern architecture design? The answer is no, and a little bit of yes. To be very literal, contemporary means now, while modern refers to technological and engineering developments that date back to the turn of the 20th Century. To keep it simple, modern architecture focuses more on industrial metals such as steel, concrete, and glass.
While the contemporary design may use these same elements, its designs are considered new, re-thought, or forward-thinking. With all that being said, the two designs will always mix and mingle with one another. Overall, modern architecture is defined by clean lines and minimalist interiors that allow the structure to speak for itself and take center stage. The image below is a perfect example of clean and simple modern architecture.
Modern Design is Unique
Despite its simplistic styling that avoids extra fluff, modern architecture remains unique. In fact, modern architects have created some of the most unique designs to date. Just look at the designs of Frank Lloyd Wright and numerous other iconic architects. Yes, some of these modern designs may have flat roofs and boxy styles, but they certainly manage to be anything but boring. Look around your city streets and neighborhoods, which architectural designs stand out to you the most? The unique one-of-a-kind modern ones, or the traditional designs that tend to mimic one another row upon row? Modern architecture is anything but cookie-cutter. Look to the originality of the bold, angular roof lines that are so prominent in modern design these are very unique. Everything from the vaulted ceilings, to the exposed structural elements, to the unusual linear elements all equate to a unique, artistic design that you cannot help but be amazed by.
Restrained Palette In Modern Architecture
Less is definitely more when it comes to decorating a modern home. After all, why would you want to hide all the amazing architectural details of the design by adorning it with a lot of extra ornamentation? These designs were meant to speak for themselves, making their own statement through their structure and functionality. In the image below you can see that the interior decor of this home is kept simple, clean, and natural. The furnishings feature elements of steel and wood and are incorporated to help highlight the real hero—the architecture. Everything is kept simple so that the blueprint of the home and the materials used in its design are allowed to take center stage. This is not to say that a modern home cannot have pops of color or added character through decor. It is just that it needs to be done in a manner that adds to the architecture rather than takes away from it.
Warmth in Modern Architecture
A misconception that critics often have of modern architecture is that it’s cool and cold. However, the opposite could be argued. A large number of modern designs feature elements that are naturally warm and inviting, such as wood and stone. Floor-to-ceiling stone fireplaces, large windows that let in natural light, and vaulted post and beam ceilings could add more character and warmth than these wonderfully modern features? While the pattern may be linear, clean, and uncluttered there is definitely warmth to be found in modern architecture. Also, most modern plans contain fewer walls, thereby creating a more welcoming, open living space that most people crave.
Traditional and Modern Architecture Mix Well Together
Mixing traditional and modern architectural elements works well when done properly and with a slight hand of restraint. So they can co-exist. There are numerous examples of successful meshing of these two, seemingly opposing, styles together into one cohesive design. The mixture of cedar shingles with modern structural elements creates a very unique and appealing home. Obviously, it is best to attempt this only under the supervised watch of a skilled design architect. The good news is that you can have the best of both worlds modern and traditional.
Well, we got to say it, what’s not to love about modern architecture! We have proven that modern designs are unique, warm, inviting, and open creations of structural beauty. Even better, you can add traditional elements into a modern design and get the best of both design worlds. Use the above images and text to inspire the modern home of your dreams. Research local architects in your area to see if you can find one to build you a modern mecca or help you remodel your current home into a modern version of itself.
