From stunningly gorgeous and utopian to cold and soulless, there are probably as many opinions about modernist buildings as there are people in the world. In the eternal discussion about whether function or form is more important, the balance might arguably be skewed in favor of the former when we talk about modernism, the architectural style that dominated much of the 20th century. Though who’s to say that modernism doesn’t allow for beauty and balance?

The ‘Modernist Architecture’ subreddit is a digital space where people can discuss the style of architecture and share photos of buildings around the entire world. The modernist buildings they share are truly impressive. But whether or not you approve of them is entirely up to you, Pandas.

Scroll down and upvote the pics that you liked the most. We’d also love to hear your opinions on this, so tell us what you think of these buildings and modernism as a whole in the comments. If you enjoyed what you saw, be sure to follow r/ModernistArchitecture for their latest posts.

Bored Panda got in touch with the friendly moderator team at r/ModernistArchitecture. Redditor u/joaoslr, the founder of the community, as well as its head mod, was kind enough to answer our questions about the subreddit, as well as modernism as a whole. “I believe that in order to fully understand modernist architecture, you need to look at its history and context,” the redditor told us. Read on for the full interview.

#1 The Wave, La Baule, France, Designed By Pierre Doucet In 1979

Image credits: archineering

The founder of r/ModernistArchitecture shared with Bored Panda that they created the subreddit nearly 3 years ago due to their “growing frustration with the existing architecture-related subreddits. Each time I (or someone else) tried to share anything related to modernist architecture, the comments would get the usual trolls with the typical low-effort anti-modernist bashing saying things like ‘modernism is awful,’ ‘Le Corbusier is trash,’ and so on, making it difficult to have interesting and constructive discussions.”

They got tired of this and decided to do something about it. The goal of the r/ModernistArchitecture subreddit was to make it a place where everyone could share their constructive views and preferences regarding modernism… and avoid all the trolls. “Don’t get me wrong, criticism is welcome in this subreddit, as long as it is constructive and contributes to the discussions,” the head moderator said.

Community founder u/joaoslr told Bored Panda that they’ve been “passionate about modernism since a young age, probably after I saw a photo of Villa Savoye in my History textbook.”

“At first I was confused why a building that looked brand new was there, but then I saw its construction date (1931) and was amazed. How could something designed so many decades ago still look so modern? That was the question that made me learn and research more about modernism,” they mused.

#2 Niterói Contemporary Art Museum, Brazil, Designed By Oscar Niemeyer In 1991

Image credits: archineering

#3 Indian Institute Of Management, Bangalore, India, Designed By B.v. Doshi In 1977

Image credits: archineering

Redditor u/joaoslr kindly shared their knowledge about modernist history and philosophy with Bored Panda. “At the beginning of the 20th century, many people lived in cities with very precarious conditions, in tiny and filthy houses that led to the propagation of diseases, and away from the richly ornamented buildings owned by the rich. Modernism changed this paradigm,” they said.

“By taking advantage of the latest technical and technological innovations, modernist architects showed that it was possible to move away from ornamentation-focused architecture and to create more functional and efficient designs, intended to improve everybody’s lives. This new focus allowed many different approaches, making modernist architecture very diverse. This is probably my favorite characteristic of modernism since it was composed of many smaller movements: international style, expressionism, Bauhaus, De Stijl, brutalism, etc. The variety is immense!”

For the founder of r/ModernistArchitecture, function and form go hand in hand. “One is meaningless without the other. Of course, the way they relate is open to interpretation, which is why modernism is so diverse. Personally, I feel that both are equally important, a good design should be focused on its essential functions, making it useful, but should also be aesthetic since it causes an impact on the people that interact/experience it.”

#4 Raleigh House, United States (1954), By Eduardo Catalano

Image credits: simulation_goer

#5 Fallingwater House, USA (1936-39) By Frank Lloyd Wright

Image credits: joaoslr

#6 Druzhba Sanatorium, Ukraine (1978-85) By Igor Vasilevsky

Image credits: joaoslr

The head mod also opened up a bit about the community itself and the ins and outs of moderating, and why good communication is essential for a healthy subreddit. “Most of the issues that we deal with are either people who post buildings that are not related to modernism or trolls that appear in the comment sections. Thankfully, I am not alone in this task, there is another mod that joined the sub in its early stages and has done a tremendous job moderating and promoting the subreddit,” they complimented their colleague.

“I believe that having a good moderator team is the first step for a well-working online community. It doesn’t have to be a big team, it just needs to be a team with passionate people that have good communication between them. The second step is to be clear in your actions and communicate them to the users. For example, when we delete a post or comment we explain in a constructive way why we did it, so that the user in question understands which rule he broke. That way we can educate the community on the rules, which are well defined and easily available on the sidebar,” they said.

“The last step is to truly be part of the community and not just sit aside as a moderator. In this sub, the moderation team frequently posts new content and participates in discussions started by other users. This allows us to also experience the sub as ‘regular users’ and to adapt our rules and actions accordingly.”

#7 Johnson Administration Building And Research Tower, Frank Lloyd Wright

Image credits: NoConsideration1777

#8 Catton House, West Vancouver, Canada, Designed By Arthur Erickson And Geoffrey Massey In 1967

Image credits: archineering

#9 Notre Dame De Royan, France, Designed By Guillaume Gillet And Marc Hébrard In 1955

Image credits: archineering

Founded nearly three years ago, in mid-October of 2019, r/ModernistArchitecture has since grown to house nearly 37.4k members (or ‘Modernists’ as they’re called online).

The ‘ModernistArchitecture’ subreddit actually sits comfortably in the top 5% of all Reddit communities, ranked by size. Though there are certainly bigger architecture–related subreddits, size definitely isn’t what matters. It’s the quality of the content and the friendliness of the community that are key.

Modernist architecture follows the idea that form follows function, in that buildings should be functional above all else. A style that emerged in the early 20th century, modernism approaches architecture analytically, looks at the use of materials from a rational standpoint, and aims to eliminate decoration. In short, the focus is on innovation and what the space is used for rather than the aesthetics (though the utilitarianism can, in fact, be pleasing to the eye).

#10 University Of Michigan Law Library Extension, Ann Arbor, Michigan, By Gunnar Birkerts (1981). The Modern Extension Is Largely Underground

Image credits: Imipolex42

#11 Institute Of Foreign Languages, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Designed By Vann Molyvann In 1965

Image credits: archineering

#12 Haus Des Rundfunks, Berlin, Hans Poelzig 1931, Staircase Near The Great Broadcasting Hall

Image credits: Veilchengerd

The mods ask members of the community to only post content and discuss things related to modernist architecture. In other words, there’s a singular focus here and redditors shouldn’t deviate from that too much.

The community also values original content very much. For instance, you shouldn’t repost pictures of a building if they’ve already been shared on the sub within the past year. However, if you happen to have “significantly different photos” of the very same building, that isn’t considered a repost, so feel free to share those.

It should come as no surprise that community members are expected to be polite to each other. They’re also encouraged not to make low-effort posts bashing modernism. “Obviously, you don’t have to like all the buildings posted here, but you should at least try to fundament your opinions,” the mod team shares.

#13 William Lescaze House, New York City, USA, Designed By Lescaze Himself In 1934

Image credits: archineering

#14 Verdi Tower, 1975, Paris France

Image credits: Benja1789

#15 The Eames House, Case Study House No. 8 In The Palisades

Image credits: NaotoNakada

Meanwhile, those sharing posts should put in the effort to make their titles descriptive. For instance, you should add the name of the building, where it can be found, the architects, as well as the year the building was constructed. That way, the audience will always have the basic information available to them and won’t have to do the research themselves.

#16 “Graham House” West Vancouver, Bc. By The Late Arthur Erickson. 1962. He Was A Master Of Working With Difficult Cliff Sites

Image credits: Arkitek_Yorkshire

#17 Greater Refuge Temple, Harlem, USA, Designed By Costas Machlouzarides In 1966

Image credits: archineering

#18 My Hand Made Modern Birdhouse!

Image credits: liamoco123

If you happen to post newly constructed buildings, be sure to add the ‘Contemporary’ flair to your post. “New buildings that, despite respecting the principles of modernist architecture, aren’t part of the modernist movement,” the mods explain why this is needed.

#19 Viking Ship Museum, Roskilde, Denmark, Designed By Erik Christian Sørensen In 1968

Image credits: archineering

#20 McGregor Conference Center, Detroit, Michigan, Designed By Minoru Yamasaki In 1958

Image credits: archineering

#21 Home Of Architect Agustín Hernández, Designed In 1975

Image credits: adamsmith93

Functionalism, minimalism, the lack of ornamentation—these lie at the core of modernism. The architectural movement welcomed innovative technologies of construction, as well as the use of materials such as glass, steel, and reinforced concrete.

#22 Garcia House, USA (1964-66) By John Lautner

Image credits: joaoslr

#23 Stahl House, Los Angeles Ca, USA (1957) By Pierre Koenig, Photography By Julius Shulman

Image credits: reddit.com

#24 Noyes Hall At Vassar College By Eero Saarinen, Poughkeepsie, New York (1958)

Image credits: Imipolex42

Emerging in the first half of the 20th century, modernism dominated the architectural scene in the post-World War 2 era. Until the 1980s, it was the principal style used for institutional and corporate buildings. It was later supplanted by postmodern architecture.

#25 Coca-Cola Building, Los Angeles, California. Designed By Robert V. Derrah. (1939)

Image credits: IhaveCripplingAngst

#26 Villa Sayer, Normandy, France, Designed By Marcel Breuer In 1972

Image credits: archineering

#27 World Trade Center, New York City, By Minoru Yamasaki (1973)

Image credits: Imipolex42

Modernists embraced asymmetrical compositions, geometric forms, and flat roofs. There was an emphasis on horizontal lines, as well as neutral or white palettes. The interiors of buildings, meanwhile, were characterized by spaciousness, openness, and light.

#28 General Motors Technical Center Interior By Eero Saarinen (1956)

Image credits: Imipolex42

#29 Olivetti Showroom, Venice, Italy, Designed By Carlo Scarpa In 1958

Image credits: archineering

#30 Flaine Ski Resort, France, Designed By Marcel Breuer In 1960

Image credits: archineering

Modernism itself shifted and changed over the years. Offshoots of the modernist philosophy include Bauhaus, brutalism, constructivism (and later deconstructivism), expressionism, the so-called ‘International Style,’ and more. These are all slightly different aspects of the same architectural philosophy that valued innovation and moving towards utopia, as imagined by the architects.

#31 Cinema Impero, Eritrea (1937) By Mario Messina

Image credits: joaoslr

#32 La Cité Radieuse, Le Corbusier, 1948-1952, Marseille, France

Image credits: bolognesesauceplease

#33 Goulding Summer House, Enniskerry, Ireland, Designed By Scott Tallon Walker In 1971

Image credits: archineering

#34 Fata Headquarters, Turin, Italy, Designed By Oscar Niemeyer In 1975

Image credits: archineering

#35 The Incredible Sheats Goldstein Residence

Image credits: NaotoNakada

#36 Warner House, New Canaan, Connecticut, Designed By John Johansen In 1955

Image credits: archineering

#37 La Mason De La Celle-Saint-Cloud, Designed By Jean-Pierre Raynaud 1967

Image credits: Around-Midnight

#38 Ciccillo Matarazzo Pavilion, Brazil (1955-57) By Oscar Niemeyer

Image credits: joaoslr

#39 Nakagin Capsule Tower, Japan (1970-72) By Kisho Kurokawa. Despite Being A Rare Remaining Example Of Japanese Metabolism, Its Demolition Has Just Started

Image credits: joaoslr

#40 Lycée Hôtelier Du Touquet, Paris, France, Designed By Pierre-André Dufétel In 1971

Image credits: archineering

#41 Union Carbide’s Former Headquarters In Danbury, Ct

Image credits: kernals12

#42 Atelier Jespers, Brussels, Belgium, Designed By Victor Bourgeois In 1928

Image credits: archineering

#43 Männistö Church, Finland (1992) By Juha Leiviskä

Image credits: joaoslr

#44 Sheats Goldstein Residence, USA (1961-63) By John Lautner

Image credits: joaoslr

#45 Modernist Beach House By The Late Architect Horace Gifford. (1932-1992) Fire Island, New York. Built In 1967

Image credits: Arkitek_Yorkshire

#46 Experimental Ranch House By: Cliff May. Restoration By: Marmol Radziner Architecture. Built In 1952. Brentwood Neighborhood Of Los Angeles

Image credits: Arkitek_Yorkshire

#47 Los Manantiales Restaurant, Xochimilco, Mexico, Designed By Felix Candela In 1958

Image credits: archineering

#48 Mondadori Headquarters At Milan, Italy By Oscar Niemeyer, (1968-1975), Photo By Roland Halbe

Image credits: Saltedline

#49 Maison Berteaux, Uccle, Belgium, Designed By Louis Herman De Koninck In 1936

Image credits: archineering

#50 Natural History Museum Of Obafemi Awolowo University ~ Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Image credits: LouQuacious

#51 Stadthalle, Bremen, Germany, Designed By Roland Rainer In 1961

Image credits: archineering

#52 Kodak Training Center, Henrietta, New York, Designed By Som In 1971

Image credits: archineering

#53 Ship Of The Desert, Palm Springs, California, Designed By Wilson & Webster In 1936

Image credits: archineering

#54 Chrysler Motors Pavilion, Chicago, USA, Designed By Holabird And Root In 1933

Image credits: archineering

#55 Runion House, Seattle, Washington, Designed By Ralph Anderson In 1969

Image credits: archineering

#56 Director’s Office At Bauhaus Weimar, Germany (1923) By Walter Gropius

Image credits: joaoslr

#57 Headquarters Of Fuji TV At Tokyo, Japan By Kenzo Tange, (1993)

Image credits: Saltedline

#58 Former Cathedral Of Christ The King, Portage, Michigan, By Irving W. Colburn (1968)

Image credits: Imipolex42

#59 Franks House, Brentwood, California, Designed By Raúl Garduno In 1966

Image credits: archineering

#60 Yukon–kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital, Bethel, Alaska, Designed By Caudill Rowlett Scott In 1980

Image credits: archineering

#61 Alvorada Palace, Presidential Residence Of Brasil At Brasilia By Oscar Niemeyer, (1958)

Image credits: Saltedline

#62 Tyler House, Designed In 1950 By John Lautner. Los Angeles, California, USA

Image credits: HeStoleMyBalloons

#63 Temppeliaukio Church In Finland (1969) By Timo & Tuomo Suomalainen

Image credits: Toby_Forrester

#64 Glass Facade Of The Main Building Of School Of The Bauhaus In Dessau, Architect Walter Gropius, 1926

Image credits: hashamean

#65 Le Brasilia, Marseille, France, Designed By Fernand Boukobza In 1966

Image credits: archineering

#66 Interior Of The Saint-Joseph Church, France (1951-58) By Auguste Perret

Image credits: joaoslr

#67 Stairs In The Walstrom House By: John Lautner Architect(1911-1994) Santa Monica Mountains Outside Of Los Angeles. Completed In 1969

Image credits: Arkitek_Yorkshire

#68 My Home, Built In 1950 [yakima, Wa, USA]

Image credits: AntalRyder

#69 Lobby Of United States Embassy Oslo By Eero Saarinen (1959)

Image credits: Imipolex42

#70 Us Post Office (Loop Station), Chicago, By Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe (1973)

Image credits: Imipolex42

#71 Shadowcliff, Harry Weese, Ellison Bay, Wisconsin 1969

Image credits: bolognesesauceplease

#72 Willow Run Airport By Minoru Yamasaki, Ypsilanti, Michigan (1958)

Image credits: Imipolex42

#73 Edifício Copan, Brazil (1952-61) By Oscar Niemeyer

Image credits: joaoslr

#74 Toronto Dominion Center, Canada, Designed By Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe In 1963

Image credits: archineering

#75 Bacardi Buildings, Miami, USA, Designed By Enrique Gutierrez In 1963

Image credits: archineering

#76 Villa Monzeglio, Venezuela (1953) By Antonio Montini

Image credits: joaoslr

#77 Halston Residence (Originally Hirsch Residence) By Paul Rudolph, Manhattan (1966-1974)

Image credits: Imipolex42

#78 Interior Of Danmarks Nationalbank, Denmark (1965-78) By Arne Jacobsen

Image credits: joaoslr

#79 Swoon

Image credits: reddit.com

#80 Universitätskirche, Kiel, Germany, Designed By Herbert Weidling And Erhart Kettner In 1960

Image credits: archineering

#81 Segal Residence Seen From The Beach. Malibu, California. (1979) John Lautner Architect

Image credits: Arkitek_Yorkshire

#82 Axa Insurance Headquarters, Casablanca, Morocco, Designed By Jean-François Zevaco In 1977

Image credits: archineering

#83 Panoramic Interior View. Norman Lykes House. Phoenix, Arizona. Frank Lloyd Wright. (1959)

Image credits: Arkitek_Yorkshire

#84 Prentice Women’s Hospital, Chicago, USA (1969-75) By Bertrand Goldberg

Image credits: joaoslr

#85 The Glass Pavilion (780 Ashley Rd, Montecito, California)

Image credits: earthmoonsun

#86 Hudson Valley Glass House, Chappaqua, NY, USA | Robert Fitzpatrick | 1967

Image credits: Logical_Yak_224

#87 Temple Beth Sholom, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, USA, Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright In 1954

Image credits: archineering

#88 Lake Point Tower At Chicago, Il By Schipporeit And Heinrich, (1968)

Image credits: Saltedline

#89 Stony Brook University Hospital, NY, USA (1965-76) By Bertrand Goldberg

Image credits: joaoslr

#90 Pepsi-Cola Headquarters, New York NY By Gordon Bunshaft And Natalie De Blois (1960)

Image credits: Imipolex42

#91 Case Study House 20(B) – Bass House, USA (1957-58) By Buff, Smith And Hensman

Image credits: joaoslr

#92 Clever House, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, USA, Designed By Louis Kahn In 1957

Image credits: archineering

#93 Street View Kaufmann Desert House. Palm Springs, California. Completed In 1946. Architecture By: Richard Neutra

Image credits: Arkitek_Yorkshire

#94 Casa De Vidro, São Paulo, Brazil, Designed By Lina Bo Bardi In 1951

Image credits: archineering

#95 860-880 Lake Shore Drive Apartments At Chicago, Il By Mies Van Der Rohe, (1951)

Image credits: Saltedline

#96 Riola Parish Church, Italy (1978) By Alvar Aalto

Image credits: joaoslr

#97 140 Broadway, New York City, By Gordon Bunshaft And Davis Allen Of Skidmore Owings And Merrill (1967)

Image credits: Imipolex42

#98 “Farnsworth House” On The Us Register Of Historic Places. By: Mies Van Der Rohe. Completed In 1951. Plano, Illinois

Image credits: Arkitek_Yorkshire

#99 The Promises Of The Future – Breuninger Department Store In Stuttgart, Germany (1931)

Image credits: KapitaenBestrafung

#100 Merry Christmas! Stahl House (Case Study House #22) By Pierre Koenig

Image credits: joaoslr

#101 Rose Seidler House, Australia (1948-50) By Harry Seidler

Image credits: joaoslr

#102 Carlton Hills Lutheran Church, USA (1960) By Robert Des Lauriers

Image credits: joaoslr

#103 Café L’aubette, France (1926) By Theo Van Doesburg

Image credits: joaoslr

#104 Armstrong Rubber Building, USA (1968-70) By Marcel Breuer. Recently Converted Into A Hotel

Image credits: joaoslr

#105 Rudolf Schindler’s 1926 Lovell Beach House, Newport Beach, California. The Client, Who Also Commissioned Neutra’s Lovell Health House, Was Committed To The Idea That Architecture Can Have A Profound Effect On Wellness; Both Buildings Feature Plenty Of Natural Light And Ventilation

Image credits: archineering

#106 Sanovicz House, São Paulo, Brazil, Designed By Abrahão Sanovicz In 1976

Image credits: archineering

#107 Living Room In The Aubrey Watzek House, Portland, Oregon, Designed By John Yeon In 1936

Image credits: archineering

#108 Apartment Buildings By Lan Architecture In Strasbourg, France (2020)

Image credits: brontossauros

#109 Singleton House, Bel Air, USA, Designed By Richard Neutra In 1959

Image credits: archineering

#110 Feldman Architect’s San Jose Pavilion, California

Image credits: earthmoonsun

#111 Ibm Building, Seattle, Washington, By Minoru Yamasaki (1964)

Image credits: Imipolex42

#112 The Toronto Reference Library, 1977 (Raymond Moriyama)

Image credits: Objectalone

#113 Coachella Valley Savings And Loan Bank, USA (1961) By E. Stewart Williams

Image credits: joaoslr

#114 Living Room In The Charles And Ingrid Kobel House, Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, USA, Designed By Eliel And Eero Saarinen In 1939

Image credits: archineering

#115 International Fair Of Dakar, Senegal, Designed By Jean Francois Lamoureux And Jean-Louis Marin In 1974

Image credits: archineering

#116 Modernist Housing Development By The Late Mies Van Der Rohe Architect. Detroit, Michigan. (1959). Developer Was Herb Greenwald

Image credits: Arkitek_Yorkshire

Source: boredpanda.com