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14 | The Architectural Fashion of Toronto Residential Neighbourhoods
RASEK ARCHITECTS LTD
MODERN
Modern architecture or modernist architecture is a term
applied to a group of styles of architecture which emerged
at the end of the 19th century from revolutions in
technology, engineering and building materials, and from a
desire to break away from historical architectural styles and
to invent something that was purely functional and new.
Modern architecture continued to be the dominant
architectural style for institutional and corporate buildings
into 1980s, when it was challenged by postmodernism, and
then by "neomodernism".
Contemporary Architecture
Contemporary architecture is the architecture of the 21st century.
No single style is dominant; contemporary architects are working
in a dozen different styles. The different styles and approaches
have in common the use of very advanced technology and
modern building materials.
Contemporary buildings are designed to be noticed and to
astonish. Some feature concrete structures wrapped in glass or
aluminum screens, very asymmetric facades, and cantilevered
sections which hang over the street. Skyscrapers twist, or break
into crystal-like facets.
