The Industrial Revolution's Impact on Modern Architecture in the Early 1900's

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“Industrial Revolution is the period of major industrialization that took place during the late 1700s and early 1800s.” Britain was the ‘mother’ of the Industrial Revolution. During that period Britain was making great strides in the innovation of new materials such as the development of superior steel, cast iron and glass. For a time, this gave Britain the advantage over most ‘advanced’ countries in development, mostly as it relates to construction. There were also great developments in the field of agriculture, manufacturing and power generation. This sensation of development quickly spread worldwide and had a changing effect on culture, economics and social idealism. Most importantly, the Industrial Revolution completely metamorphosized the architecture world. It opened new doors for designing which led to the Modern Architecture movement today. The first sign of a new architectural era was seen in Britain. With the production of new materials, Sir Joseph Paxton was able to design the Crystal Palace (1850-1851, 1852-1854) which boasted an intricate lattice frame work of prefabricated iron and glass panels set into wooden frames. The Crystal Palace served as a greenhouse with an impressive square footage of 770,000, the largest structure within its time. This structure was a monumental one and exhibits Britain’s advancement in the development of superior steel. European countries were not at the same stage of steel production as that of the British. Therefore, their steel productions were not as superior. However, in response to the British, French inventors developed light weight truss known as the Polonceau in 1837. In addition there was the development of forged iron and milled steel. This opened a myriad of opportunities... ... middle of paper ... ...itecture-and-the-industrial-revolution. Curtis, W J. "11. Skyscraper and Suburb: America between the Wars." In Modern architecture since 1900, 144-158. London: Phaidon, 1996. Curtis, W J. "12. The Ideal Community: Alternatives to the Industrial City." In Modern architecture since 1900, 159-173. London: Phaidon, 1996. Investopedia. "Industrial Revolution Definition." Investopedia. Last modified 2014. http://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/industrial-revolution.asp. Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission . "Modern Movements." Last modified 2014. http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/modern_movements/2391/international_style/408691. Solar Flare Studios. "Modern Architecture : International Style." Solar Flare Studios. Accessed April 22, 2014. http://www.solarflarestudios.com/demosites/architecture/international.htm.

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