Modernism, Modernity, and Modernisation in Australia - Term Paper Example

Modernism, Modernity and Modernisation in Australia Name Institution Introduction Modernism in Australia found its place in the early 1910s through various ways such s immigrants who had migrated to Australia came with other ways of modernism. In addition, modernism of the time was in the form of publication, exhibitions and expatriates. This means that the people who arrive in Australia after the First World War had a significant influence on the growth of modernity and modernism in Australia and influence the ways in which Australia grew in a modern society. The changing faces of Australia were in ways of life, architecture and design, and musical developments (Burke, 2012). Additionally, the Australian modern hospitals were also influential in modernism of Australian architecture and designs. This implies that new technologies and new ways of building houses and structures are introduced in Australia after the First World War and during the First World War. In the era of modernization, modern designer were leading the ways in modern society in Australia withy new building materials. In fact, modernism during g the First World War and after the First World War provided new possibilities in architecture bringing vital revolution in building designs. Therefore, the interwar period in Australia was characterized by a significant revolution in architectural designs, musical revolution, communication and transportation as well as industrialization. The interwar period in Australia saw many architects drew various inspirations from modernism in various parts of the world. The modernisation in Australia was characterised by hospitals, museums, cinemas and art and lighting systems that are evident in various parts of Australia. Therefore, there is a connection between modernity, modernism and modernisation in Australia (Perren & Ring, 2007). This paper explores the relationship between modernity, modernism and modernisation in Australia between the First World War and the Second World War. This relationship will focus on the development in architecture, communication, and ways of life in terms of culture. There is a relationship between modernity, modernism and modernisation that took place in Australia between the First World War and Second World War. Modernism can be described as the general shift in terms of different aesthetic and cultural sensibilities. These are evident in terms of art, literature and communication in the post war periods and between the wars (Stephen, 2008). Australia witnessed a shift in various aspects during b the inter war period in terms of architectural designs and communication. Modernity is described as an aspect of doing things in different ways as they are done in traditional society. It refers to a shift from traditional feudalism to industrialisation and rationalisation and socialisation. Therefore, modernity does not favour the past but embraces the future and new ways of doing things. Therefore, modernity takes place in a gradual process in several years of time. Modernity influences areas of science, politics and cultural aspects. Modernisation is a revolutionary transition and gradual process that shifts from traditional society to a modern society. According to historians, modernisation is linked to urbanisation and industrialisation. In terms of urbanisation, modernisation is influenced in architecture, communication and industrialisation as well as transportation. In Australia, modernisation between the First World War and Second World War has affected the ways in which urban cities were managed in terms of buildings and industrial (Burke, 2012). There are various factors that influenced modernisation of architecture in Australia. The period 1919-1939 in Australia showed the most evolution in terms of Australian architecture. This was influenced by the First World War and the Second World War and the great depression which was in need for demonstrating regeneration and promotion of growth. The modernisation of architecture was in terms of new designs and styles which paid no attention to the tradition and past building styles in Australia. This means that modernisation of architecture in Australia can be viewed in terms of evolution in building and architectural materials, the technology used methods of construction and ideas. The arrival of new architectural designs in Australia was influenced by several factors. Australians who travel to Europe to study were inspired by different designs and styles in architecture such as the Percy Everett’s Technical school Essendon illustrated in figure 1. These students brought to Australia new designs in order to implement their ideas. Hence the modern buildings in Australia were influenced by art band design from Europe, especially by students and immigrants from European countries. Figure 1. Illustration of the Percy Everett’s Technical school Essendon (Ally, 2010). International architects who had migrated to Australia also influenced the modernisation of Australian architectural designs. City living in Australia was also a factor that influenced the modernisation and development of large cities in Australia. This implies that the path that led to changes in the cultural ways in urban cities from the rural ties in Australia was marked by different sites in new sites, and various activities that related to the interior designs, tall buildings and special stores that are evident in most parts of Australia. By the year 1929, the Australians were hosting various exhibitions in order to introduce different interior designs in Australian architecture. The Buderkin house exhibition was among the was among the interior designed exhibition that influenced current ways in which buildings are designed internally. These exhibitions were supported by different stakeholders such as magazines including ‘The Home” which acted as advertisers of the new technologies in Australia. This meant that houses could be decorated with new designs and materials unlike before (Smith & Lewi, 2008). This influenced many pubs and bars in Australia to change their interior designs to attract more customers in their businesses as illustrated in figure 2. In addition, interior designs were also introduced at social events where architects and designers would decorate the events with colourful materials in order to make them attractive. The materials used in decorating the bars, houses and bars include the use of neon lights, fluorescents, wide openings, glass décor, shiny surfaces and shiny chromes (Ally, 2010). Figure 2. Interior design of Astoria café in 1940 (Stephen, 2008). Decorative art and craft was also evident in the way cars, furniture and buildings were designed. These furniture were popularised by different designer-companies including the Woodmark Australian Company. This made it possible for Australian designer to be heard and get promoted through various international trade fairs. Modernisation in Australia also influenced the health sector and construction of health facilities. Hospitals in Australia were at the centre of modernism since as modernism was introduced and developing in Australia so did hospitals (Logan, 2009. These hospitals were modern since they used a distinct language and were constructed using modern technology and architectures. By introducing g new hospital designs, the health sector especially construction health facilities played a vital role in the introduction of new architectural designs in Australia. The adoption of new architectural designs in Australia a was accompanied by changes in the hospital culture and dress codes. For examples, medical professionals were hence introduced to aspects of cleanliness by wearing a white apron or laboratory coat. The use of whitewash and whiteness in hospital architectures used as a way of banishing dirtiness in the hospital setting hence, the introduction of modern ways in health facilities. Therefore, the connection that was established between hygiene, function and modernisation in were introduced simultaneously in hospitals and was at the time when modernisation found its way in Australia. Hence, hospitals introduced designs in architecture, interior designs by the use of white paints, planning. By the year 1934, different hospitals were constructed in Australia which followed the modern designs and were influential in the architecture of Australia as illustrated in figure 3(Willis, 2002). Figure 3. St Vincent’s Hospital, Fitzroy, 1933 (Willis, 2002). The use of materials in architecture also permitted the construction of tall buildings in Australia. Designers and architects used materials that were not used in traditional designer in buildings and structures. In terms of materials houses that were built between 1914 and 1918 had a short of building materials and tradesmen. This led to the lowering of the ceiling in order to reduce the cost of building materials and be able to build houses that had enough light systems and larger windows. The interwar period was characterised by new materials and technologies that allowed changes in the architectural designs. This led to growth in the industrial sector. This means that industrialisation was also at the centre of modernisation in Australia. This led to the forging of a new relationship between machines in industries and human beings who controlled the machines. It was believed that the new technologies and materials could offer mankind with the chance to take the designing sector to a new world and advanced level. Before the First World War, engineers had limitations in construction materials (Smith & Lewi, 2008). However, industrialisation between the First World War and Second World War ensured that building materials were produced in bulk in order to meet the urbanisation demand in various parts of Australia. The three most used materials in the interwar modernisation include reinforced concrete, steel and glass building materials. These materials enable the building of tall buildings since they were strong and durable compared to previous traditional materials such as grass and thatches. Timber or wood was also used in designing various wood products such as furniture and ceiling boards in interior designs. These were commonly used since they were easily accessible and cheaper as compared to other materials such as steel and reinforced concrete (Perren & Ring, 2007). Communication and transportation also influenced the aspect of the modernisation of Australia. Most of the magazines in Australia popularised the exhibitions of different decorative arts. There were different advertisements and publications that were used in the promotion of modernity in terms of houses and architecture as well as building materials. Additionally, these media models also provided a means in which people could be able to have a taste of the new ideas and technology. Magazines such as Home Beautiful, Australia House and Garden. These media of communications were helpful in the dissemination of ideas to the masses and an audience who read the magazines. Therefore, communication was useful since most of the architects, designer and other art prominent people were using the various channels of communication in spreading the ideas of technologies used in modern arts. Journalists and television show hosts wrote different journals about the changing ways in terms of housing, architecture and fashions in Australia (Stephen, 2008). Modernists in Australia modernists are numerous and influenced the process of modernisation in various ways. R Baker was an Australian who advocated for various forms of arts including floral motifs, which was utilising the local Australian flora in decorating various places and events in order to beautify the environment. There are also other modernist artists such as Margaret Preston who used the Waratah in in making prints of various colours. This made it possible for various Australians are able to recognise the native flowers that were forming a cultural heritage of Australia. Grant Featherson was also among the great designers in Australian history that had an influence in designing the Featherson chair which was unique and a modern chair. Marc Newson was also a designer in Australian history that specialised in designing colourful chairs in interior designing. Additionally, Rock martin was also known for his unique designs in furniture. In fact, he designed the kangaroo chair which featured in many exhibitions before the Second World War (Stephen, 2008). Conclusion The period between the First World War and the second world was characterised by different design change in ways of life. During this time, modernisation was influenced by architects and designers who were migrating to Australia and Europe for different studies. Modernism during g the First World War and after the First World War provided new possibilities in architecture bringing vital revolution in building designs. Modernisation also influenced the urbanisation and culture of Australian in such a way that new ways of life and health systems were practised. Therefore, the interwar period in Australia was characterized by an outstanding revolution in architectural designs, musical revolution, communication and transportation as well as industrialization. The interwar period in Australia saw many architects drew various inspirations from modernism in various parts of the world. References Ally (2010). Architecture in Melbourne: The Journey to Modernity. 20th Century Design. Retrieved From http://7185057.blogspot.com/2010/11/architecture-In-melbourne-journey-to.html Burke, A. (2012). Domestic Residence to Multi-storey Building. The Lived Experience of Hospital Grounds in Melbourne before World War II. Health & Place, 18(5), 1015-1024. Logan, C. (2009). The Modern Hospital as Dream and Machine. Fabrications: The Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians Australia & New Zealand, 19(1), 68-95. Perren, C., & Ring K. (2007). Living the Modern: Australian architecture, Ostfildern, Hatje Cantz Stephen, A. (2008). Introduction to Modern Times: The Untold Story of Modernism in Australia. Carlton, Vic: Meigunyah Press. Smith, W., & Lewi, H. (2008). The Magic of Machines in the House, Journal of architecture, 13(5), 633-66. Willis, J. (2002). Machines for Healing. Architecture Australia, 91(4). Retrieved from http://architectureau.com/articles/machines-for-healing/. Read More