The Dutch artistic movement known as De Stijl (“The Style”) had a far-reaching influence on modern architecture, most notably in the area of Dutch De Stijl-style architecture. This architectural style prizes geometric simplicity and a sense of harmony that gives its buildings a very distinct appearance by emphasizing primary colors and black and white (along with shades of gray).
De Stijl his movement took root in the post-World War I Dutch avant-garde. Dutch painter Piet Mondrian was the main proponent of the De Stijl art principle, and in his 1917-1918 painting Broadway Boogie Woogie, Mondrian used a series of vertical and horizontal lines to create a grid. It was this “Plastic Art”– as De Stijl was called – that would become the basis for the group’s architectural principles.
The use of colors in De Stijl architecture also had symbolic meaning. Mondrian was known to use primary colors in his paintings to create a feeling of stability and balance, and the same practice was used in De Stijl-style architecture. Moreover, because buildings in this style are grounded by columns (or in the case of more modern applications, concrete walls) placed in the four corners, they often appear to have the same stability and grounding in space as Mondrian’s art.
Dutch architects Gerrit Rietveld and J.J.P. Oud, among others, applied the principles of De Stijl to their buildings. As an example, Rietveld’s renowned Schroder House of 1924 featured a rationalist façade composed of panels of brick, wood, and glass. Similarly, American architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe adapted the De Stijl principles to his architecture, most notably in his iconic 1929 Barcelona Pavilion.
The De Stijl movement did not only influence architecture in the Netherlands, but around the world. The style has been used as far away as Japan and China, where it was used to create churches and temples in the early twentieth century. In the United States, the style was used in a range of buildings, from private residences to public buildings. Even in countries like India, the De Stijl influence has expressed itself in educational buildings and other structures.
Some of the most famous examples of De Stijl architecture around the world include Houston’s Rothko Chapel and Amsterdam’s Koninklijke Nederlandse Akademie van Wetenschappen, both of which were designed in the De Stijl style. Other famous examples include Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House, Paul Rudolph’s Art and Architecture Building at Yale, and several of Le Corbusier’s buildings.
De Stijl architecture has continued to evolve over the years, and the style can be seen in contemporary buildings around the world. From hospitals and office buildings to airport terminals and museums, De Stijl-style architecture continues to be an inspiration for architects today.
Applications in Japan and China
The De Stijl was also applied to Japanese architecture in the early 20th century and many of the features, including the use of basic geometrical shapes, the balance of light and dark, the use of primary colors and the organization of the elements into a harmonious whole can be seen in the many temples and churches built in the style. In China too, the De Stijl style was used to create a unique and harmonious balance between modernity and traditional Chinese culture.
In both Japan and China, the De Stijl style was applied to all aspects of the architecture from the structure and the exterior,to the interior. The main elements of this style, such as the use of primary colors and basic geometric shapes, can be seen throughout the architecture.
In both countries, the De Stijl style has been used to create a sense of harmony and balance between the modern and traditional elements. The architects in both countries have used the style to create a sense of unity and order, while also using the style to express their individuality.
The De Stijl style has also been used to create a sense of balance between the “East” and “West” in both countries. The architects in both countries have used the style to bring together the modern and traditional, while also using the style to create a unique dialogue between the two cultures.
The De Stijl style has also been used to create a sense of balance between the traditional and modern elements of the architecture in both countries. The architects in both countries have used the style to create a harmony between the two, while also expressing their own individuality.
Influence on Modern Architecture
The influence of the De Stijl movement on modern architecture is clear. The focus on geometry and simple composition, in addition to the use of primary colors, are featured in many of today’s buildings. The De Stijl is also evident in the abstract use of elements, such as in the architecture of the Austrian-born architect, Adolf Loos.
The influence of the De Stijl influence can also be seen in contemporary architectural design. The use of minimalism, primary colors and the use of geometric shapes are all evident in the modern styles of today. The simple and understated lines of De Stijl can also be seen in contemporary designs, which often rely on their basic geometric forms and primary colors.
Modern architecture is also heavily influenced by De Stijl in its use of light. The architects in the modern era have made use of light to create a sense of atmosphere, rhythm and atmosphere-building devices. Through the use of light, shape, texture and color, modern architects are able to create an atmosphere that draws the observer into the space.
The influences of the De Stijl influence can also be seen in the use of materials. Many modern materials, such as concrete and steel, are used to create simple abstract designs. This simplification of design is a direct reflection of the De Stijl principles.
The De Stijl movement had a tremendous impact on modern architecture. Its focus on geometry and simple composition, in addition to the use of primary colors and the use of abstract elements, are all evident in modern architectural designs. Its influence is still felt today.
Modern Examples of De Stijl Architecture
There are many examples of modern De Stijl architectures around the world, from houses to public buildings. Some of the most famous examples include the Rothko Chapel in Houston, the Koninklijke Nederlandse Akademie van Wetenschappen in Amsterdam, the Farnsworth House by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Paul Rudolph’s Art and Architecture Building at Yale, and various buildings by Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier.
The De Stijl style has been adapted to a variety of settings, from private residences to public buildings, such as hospitals and office buildings. In India, many educational buildings have been built in the De Stijl style. This modern influence can also be seen in architecture around the world, such as airports, museums, and other public spaces.
In modern architecture, the De Stijl style has become streamlined, with the use of glass and metal to create a sense of openness and fluidity. The use of glass also creates an openness that is unique to the style, allowing for an expansive feel and natural light.
The De Stijl style is also seen in modern furniture design, with the use of geometric shapes, primary colors and black and white. The use of minimalistic forms in furniture design is directly influenced by the principles of De St
