why does modern architecture begin with the death of the curve? a little history

 

let's start with this promising definition: a curve is an object that follows a specific path which gives it its defining shape. a curve can be a straight line, an open curved line, or a closed, multi-segment path.

so, a line is a curve, i.e., the line is not apriori the curve, but the opposite.

here is a historic presentation of the curve in architecture.

here is an exciting discussion with historical examples.

yet, modern architecture is anti-curve. why? 

it rejects ornament.

this is a crucial moment. ornament is essentially curvy. 

Edwin Heathcote makes a good point that ornament communicates with a broader public. He doesn't go after the WHY.

here is the manifesto against ornament by the anti-ornament architect Adolf Loos.

here's his house (exterior)

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here are nine Loss houses to prove the point.

then, comes Corbusier's amazing Villa Savoye, 

then Mies ven der Rohe's masterpiece, The Barcelona Pavillion.