The fundamental aspect of modern design is clean, open, and simplistic in nature. Modern design is very functionality focused. It also goes above and beyond what is usually thought of. Modern design allows designers to come up with amazing, and unique things.  There are many types/ styles of modern design. Some popular ones include minimalism and art deco. Art is heavily influenced by modern architecture and interior design. For example, the Art Nouveau movement and the Tassel House by Victor Horta. Modern designers took art which included paintings, drawings and sculptures and put that towards there design concept. As students in studio, we do this too. We come up with a drawing using principles and elements, and then incorporate the drawing into our design. Modernism was inspired by art and also was about making good design for all people. Good design for all people would include people with special needs. Federal regulations then ordered that bathrooms, sidewalks and buildings have to accommodate people in wheel chairs. Modern design ranges from a large time frame.

The year that Modernism came about is still debated. Some say it started as early as the 19th century. The 19th century was based off of revivalism. Mainly Greek and Roman. Specific styles that were used the most in the 19th century were the Beaux-Arts Style and the Greek Revival. Another style that was used a lot was Gothic Revival. This was used for churches, universities, cemeteries, and even residential. The technological advances of the 19th century were shown through the architecture. The industrial revolution was such an important time for specifically architecture. The technological advances made designers able to make buildings that were once dreamed of before then. The mid to late 19th-century became notable for the introduction of skyscrapers. The first skyscraper made out of steel was built in Chicago. This paved the way for taller and taller buildings to be made.  

International style is characterized by the use of materials such as concrete, glass, iron, and steel. This style came about during the formative years of modernism. It is focused on functionality instead of decorative details. But, it still shows artistic expression through the use of principles, elements, scale, and materials. The designer Gropius shows International style in his pieces. In the Gropius house, he uses basic materials of International style which were concrete and steel. Again, in the Bauhaus, he uses concrete and glass. Another popular designer named Frank Lloyd Wright, showed International Style. Through the use of wood, horizontal shapes, and neutral colors, he tries to connect viewers to nature. Alot of modern design tries to connect the viewer to nature. Many designers do this through using large glass windows. Every modern designer may have a different idea that they want to convey. But, just because their style is different from others, doesn't mean that it's not considered modern.