Modernist architecture emerged in the early 20th century as a response to the ornate and elaborate styles of the 19th century. Architects such as Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Walter Gropius sought to create buildings that reflected the spirit of their time—industrialization, efficiency, and a break from tradition. Central to the modernist movement was the principle of "form follows function," which emphasized the idea that the design of a building should primarily be based on its purpose and use.

This approach led to the development of buildings characterized by clean lines, geometric forms, and a rejection of unnecessary ornamentation. Materials such as reinforced concrete, steel, and glass became prominent, allowing for greater flexibility in design and construction. The Bauhaus school, founded by Gropius, played a crucial role in promoting modernist principles and influencing a generation of architects worldwide.

Modernist architecture not only transformed the physical appearance of cities but also influenced urban planning and interior design. It laid the foundation for the International Style, which spread across Europe and the United States, shaping the skylines of major cities with iconic structures like the Seagram Building in New York and the Villa Savoye near Paris.