Photo Gallery: Madison Modernism
The Modern movement in architecture was more than just a style. Modernist designers in the early 20th century believed they could, and should, redesign whole cities, and in doing so, bring about social change. New materials gave architects a new palette to build innovative and inexpensive buildings and landscapes for rapidly growing and urbanizing societies.
Modernism has deep European roots. After World War II the ravaged nations of Europe became a proving ground for the ideology of European Modernists. During the war several prominent Modern architects fled to the US, bringing their ideology and drawings with them.
The grand ideals of the Modernist pioneers were diluted by the time they reached Madison, but the new aesthetic they formulated to create new buildings, using plate glass, steel framing and reinforced concrete, was appreciated by architects whose designs were built here.
Since there was very little built in Madison during the Great Depression or World War II post-war Modernist design is the next distinct architectural era to become "historic". We need to separate the masterpieces from the mediocrities before they are all sacrificed for density and infill.
This gallery was assembled by Madison Trust board member Jason Tish, and is not comprehensive. For comments on or additions you feel should be made to the gallery feel free to contact him at jason.tish@gmail.com
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