As Law and Alex said, the term “modernism” is very loose. As time continues, we will most likely continue to be shocked by more and more “new” and “modern” buildings. To me, most modernism seems to be a desire to enter a space-age era, where our buildings will be geometric and cold, using these places as an escape from the world we live in. Many seem to be forced, showing man’s defiance of nature. With increasing technology and research, it seems we expect to live in a futuristic world. Now that we have reached the 21^st century, we feel the need to fulfill what we imagined our lives would be like. Therefore, “the industrialization and urbanization of man means the progressive transformation of the world” (Miller, 492) Our surroundings will more than likely be constantly changing as technology inevitably progresses.

In comparison to Gothic world, a romantic vision of nostalgia for the natural world, Modernism seems rebellious. While the Gothic embraces “Changefulness, or variety” (Ruskin, 543), Modernism seems to embrace sameness and simplicity. One such example is the exterior Harry Ransom Center we looked at Tuesday. The lines, boxy shape, and geometry are all features that seem to exude oneness or sameness. This building seems out of sync with the curving, moving trees surrounding it.

Most of the modern buildings I see on campus seem “trendy,” built in response to the architectural styles of their respective eras. The one building I continue to think of is the Communications Building. It is not a “floating box” but it is certainly “modern.” While at the time it was built, it may have seemed striking and fresh, now it just looks dated and uninspired.

However, there are many modern buildings that I respect and admire. For example, Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Falling water” juxtaposes nature with the man made. His quest is not simply to place his “floating boxes” in the middle of nowhere. Rather, this building blends the natural with the unnatural, causing the viewer to look for the straight lines in nature, the same lines Gaudí said did not exist. I think Wright’s “modernism” differs from the “modernism” on campus because it is more artistic. The balance between this man-made structure and the nature surrounding it was clearly thought out and carefully planned.

In terms of finding God in architecture, I definitely agree with Alex. It is clear after visiting the Presbyterian and Catholic Churches last Sunday that people can worship in many different houses, be they orderly and geometric or laboriously decorated on almost every surface. I also believe each individual may relate to different styles or buildings spiritually, while in others they might feel empty. Modernism, like all architecture, remains a personal preference.