Angular exteriors; an abundance of steel, glass, and concrete; and a lack of ornamental details—these key characteristics can be found in beautiful modernist buildings all around the world. They’re so distinct, in fact, that they’re often hard to miss.
A style that started in earnest during the early 20th century, modernist architecture was largely characterized by its commitment to functionalism. Designers believed that form should follow function and razed the superfluous embellishments in favor of a minimalistic approach. Design was reduced—both literally and metaphorically—to its most basic building blocks. With its stark and unmistakable look, modernism remains a distinct juncture in the evolution of contemporary architecture, a formative period often associated with the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier.
Here, AD brings you our short-listed favorites in modernist design, revisiting the details of some of the most famous modernist buildings as well as some lesser-known gems around the world, all exemplars of this iconic 20th-century design style. Below, the 11 most beautiful modernist buildings around the world.
