Soumen 
The 20th century? That was a wild ride for architecture! It felt like everyone suddenly felt and thought differently about how buildings should be. It was an era bursting with groundbreaking ideas, fueled by incredible new technologies and driven by a deep desire to reshape people’s everyday experiences—the comfort of their homes, the efficiency of their workplaces, and the very way they felt connected to their environment.
Leading the direction were these amazing architects, real forecasters who weren’t afraid to break the mold. Each one had their own way of seeing things and unique style, and they all stepped onto the world stage with a mission to change how we experience our surroundings.
Here’s a deep dive into 15 of the most iconic architects of the 20th century, whose works and ideas continue to shape modern architecture.
1. Frank Lloyd Wright (1867–1959) – United States
Born and raised in rustic Wisconsin, America, Wright’s philosophy of organic architectural design was revolutionary. He believed buildings should exist in harmony with nature and didn’t just preach this—he built it.
Fallingwater, perched above a waterfall, is perhaps the most poetic example of his vision. With their horizontal lines and open interiors, Wright’s Prairie-style homes broke away from traditional Victorian design. Over his seven-decade-long career, he redefined residential architecture and inspired generations to think beyond bricks and mortar.
Legacy: Wright passed away at 91, leaving his mark through over 500 completed works, including homes, museums, churches, and even a mile-high skyscraper concept.
2. Le Corbusier (1887–1965) – Switzerland/France
A true intellectual and pioneer, Le Corbusier wasn’t just an architect, an urbanist, painter, and theorist. Even without formal architectural training, he viewed architecture as a tool for social progress, especially in housing.
His radical ideas, like designing homes as “machines for living,” were initially controversial but later proved visionary. Many people do not know that Corbusier was the master brain behind the planned city Chandigarh in India. It is the first planned city in the country, carrying his legacy and showcasing his belief through geometric patterns for connecting the city while increasing functionality.
Influence: Introduced modular design, pilotis (columns), and open floor plans that became foundations of modern architecture.
3. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886–1969) – Germany/USA
Mies van der Rohe’s profound belief that “less is more” transcended a simple aesthetic preference; it became the defining slogan of modernism, a philosophical underpinning for an architectural revolution. He rigorously stripped architecture down to its fundamental elements—such as materials like steel and expansive panes of glass. He meticulously planned the arrangement of the elements within a carefully considered space to create something phenomenal. This reductive approach resulted in almost ethereal buildings, appearing weightless and embodying a sense of pure, unadulterated form.
Iconic structures such as the elegant Barcelona Pavilion and the seemingly transparent Farnsworth House are testaments to his unparalleled mastery of proportion, exquisite detailing, and profound simplicity. Beyond his built work, Mies’s influence extended deeply into architectural education. His leadership of the Bauhaus in its final, crucial years (just before its forced closure) and his subsequent transformative role at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) in Chicago directly shaped the trajectory and aesthetic sensibilities of the next generation of architects, solidifying his lasting legacy.
Hallmarks: the creation of fluid and interconnected open-plan interiors, the expressive use of exposed steel-frame structures, and an unwavering commitment to clarity of form, often achieved through rigorous geometric discipline and the elimination of ornamentation
4. Walter Gropius (1883–1969) – Germany
Yet another significant German architect, Walter Gropius, fundamentally believed in bridging the gap between artistic creation and industrial production. His most enduring contribution was founding the Bauhaus School in 1919, a revolutionary institution that became the undisputed epicenter of modern design in the 20th century.
As its guiding force, Gropius fostered an unprecedented interdisciplinary environment in which art, architecture, furniture design, and typography principles were explored and synthesized through the lens of functionality and elegant simplicity. Bauhaus’s innovative curriculum and pedagogical approach have had a profound and lasting impact on design thinking globally.
Philosophy: Gropius’s core philosophy positioned the architect as a social reformer. He believed in the power of thoughtful design to elevate the quality of everyday life for all members of society. He envisioned a future where well-designed, functional objects and buildings were not luxuries but integral components of a modern, equitable world.
5. Alvar Aalto (1898–1976) – Finland
Alvar Aalto was the architect who brought a much-needed hug to modernism’s often cool lines. While his peers were all about the sleekness of steel and concrete, Aalto had a different vision. He loved the warmth of wood, the gentle touch of natural light, and the flowing curves of organic shapes.
Stepping into one of his buildings feels less like entering a machine and more like being embraced by a human space – you can almost feel the care that went into it. Take the Paimio Sanatorium, for example. It wasn’t just built; it was thoughtfully crafted with the well-being of patients at its heart, right down to the comfortable tilt of the chairs and the soothing quality of the light.
Contribution: While Aalto started his career with classism and functionalism in architectural design, he later moved to experimentation. He gave us a human-centered approach to design, where architecture, the furniture within it, and the surrounding landscape all seemed to flow together naturally, creating spaces that genuinely nurtured the people who used them.
6. Philip Johnson (1906–2005) – United States
Philip Johnson was a force of nature in the architecture scene – a designer, yes, but also a keen observer and someone who actively shaped how America saw modern design. He was instrumental in introducing the sleek European “International Style” to the US through that influential exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
However, Johnson was full of surprises! He didn’t stick to one style. Later, he dove headfirst into postmodernism, creating bold, fun buildings and a clear departure from his earlier work. The AT&T Building, with its playful Chippendale roof, is a perfect example of this later, more whimsical side.
b: What makes him fascinating is this very complexity. The same mind that gave us the sleek, almost invisible Glass House also dreamed up these flamboyant, experimental designs. He was a man who wasn’t afraid to change his tune and explore different ways of seeing the world through architecture.
7. Eero Saarinen (1910–1961) – Finland/USA
Eero Saarinen was an architect who refused to be pigeonholed. His portfolio is a testament to his incredible versatility, ranging from the soaring, elegant curves of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis to the breathtaking, avian-inspired form of the TWA Terminal at JFK Airport.
What consistently defined his work was a sculptural quality, a forward-thinking vision that often pushed the boundaries of technology. Saarinen firmly believed that each project possessed inherent character and demanded a unique architectural language. His innovative spirit was recognized with prestigious accolades, including the AIA Gold Medal awarded posthumously in 1962, underscoring his lasting impact on the field.
Legacy: Saarinen was a modernist with a futurist’s heart. He masterfully infused emotion and a sense of dynamic movement into architecture, creating iconic structures that inspire awe and wonder.
8. Oscar Niemeyer (1907–2012) – Brazil
Oscar Niemeyer’s buildings are more than just structures; they are like genuine poems crafted in concrete. Niemeyer passionately embraced the curve in a modernist movement often defined by rigid straight lines, famously declaring, “I am not attracted to straight angles or the straight line, hard and inflexible, created by man.”
His visionary and incredibly ambitious work on Brasília, Brazil’s entirely new planned capital city, cemented his status as a national hero and earned him international acclaim. In 1963, he received the prestigious RIBA Gold Medal for his significant contribution to architecture. His daring use of form and utopian ideals shaped an entire city.
Signature: Characterized by the lyrical use of curves, the striking elegance of white concrete forms, and powerfully dramatic silhouettes.
9. Richard Neutra (1892–1970) – Austria/USA
An Austrian-American architect, Richard Neutra brought a profoundly human and even scientific approach to his designs. He was fascinated by how our bodies and minds interact with the built environment, a philosophy he termed “biorealism.” This meant his buildings weren’t just aesthetically pleasing but were carefully considered to enhance well-being, often incorporating natural elements like light, air, and landscaping to create a sense of connection with nature. His rigorous approach involved deeply understanding his client’s needs, sometimes through detailed questionnaires, ensuring his designs truly served their lives.
His iconic Lovell Health House (1929) in Los Angeles, a pioneering steel-frame residence, and the desert-integrated Kaufmann House (1946) in Palm Springs testify to his airy, geometrically precise style that defined a West Coast modernism. Neutra’s significant contributions to architecture were recognized with the AIA Gold Medal in 1977, which he was awarded posthumously, solidifying his place as a key figure in the modernist movement.
Reputation: Client-centered design rooted in “biorealism,” integrating nature and technology, lightweight steel-frame construction, and a strong emphasis on health and psychological well-being in architectural spaces.
10. Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi (1927–2023) – India
Born in British-colonized Pune, India, Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi is widely regarded as a pioneer of modern architecture in India. His architectural craftsmanship showcased spaces deeply rooted in the Indian context, always with a profound consideration for people and their way of life.
Having worked closely with Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn, he developed a unique architectural language that blended modernist principles with traditional Indian sensibilities. He focused on climate-responsive design, community interaction, and local materials. Doshi fervently advocated for affordable housing and believed in architecture’s power to uplift and empower communities.
His groundbreaking Aranya Low-Cost Housing in Indore, which provides homes for over 80,000 people, earned him the Aga Khan Award for Architecture for its innovative urban planning and community-building approach. Other significant projects include the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, CEPT University in Ahmedabad (which he also co-founded), and the subterranean Amdavad ni Gufa art gallery. In recognition of his profound impact and lifelong dedication, Doshi was honored with the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2018, becoming the first Indian architect to receive this prestigious award, Padma Vibhushan (posthumous), and the RIBA Royal Gold Medal in 2022. He has also received
Influence: A sensitive fusion of modernism and Indian vernacular traditions, emphasis on low-cost and sustainable design, creating interactive community spaces, and a deep understanding of human needs and cultural context.
11. Kenzo Tange (1913–2005) – Japan
Tange was a key figure in shaping Japan’s identity after the devastation of World War II. He stood at the forefront of the nation’s post-war reconstruction, demonstrating an extraordinary ability to seamlessly weave the elegance and principles of traditional Japanese architecture with the progressive ideals of modernism.
His approach was new. He created aesthetic and functional living spaces without compromising on the simplicity of Japanese culture. In fact, the innovative synthesis of traditional and contemporary designs created a new heritage for Japanese architecture.
Beyond individual buildings, Tange was a visionary thinker and a pioneer of Metabolism, an advanced architectural movement that boldly reimagined cities as dynamic, living, and constantly evolving organisms. Tange’s contributions were recognized internationally, including the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1987 and the AIA Gold Medal in 1963. His work on the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum stands as a poignant testament to his ability to imbue architecture with profound meaning.
Legacy: A pivotal figure who successfully bridged Eastern traditions and Western modernism, Tange’s visionary concepts had a lasting impact on the design of megastructures and large-scale urban planning, shaping the trajectory of city development in Japan and beyond.
12. Zaha Hadid (1950–2016)– United States
Zaha Hadid is a force of nature who shattered conventional boundaries with her fluid, dynamic, and often gravity-defying designs. Born in Iraq and based in the UK, Hadid carved a unique path in a predominantly male field, becoming a global icon known for her neo-futuristic vision.
Her architecture was characterized by powerful, sweeping curves, sharp angles, and a sense of movement that seemed to defy the buildings’ static nature. She embraced cutting-edge technologies and materials to bring her complex and visionary concepts to life, often creating spaces like inhabitable sculptures.
Despite facing numerous challenges in realizing her early, more radical designs, Hadid’s persistence and groundbreaking approach eventually garnered widespread acclaim. She received numerous prestigious awards throughout her career, including the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004, the first woman to receive the honor, and the RIBA Gold Medal in 2016 after her passing.
Her iconic projects include the MAXXI National Museum of 21st Century Arts in Rome, the London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympics, and the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan. Each showcases her signature fluid and parametric style.
Hallmarks: Distinctive fluid and curvilinear forms, dynamic and seemingly weightless structures, bold geometric explorations, and the innovative use of digital design and fabrication technologies.
13. Erich Mendelsohn (1887–1953)– Poland
The German-British architect Erich Mendelsohn was a visionary with a sense of dynamism and powerful expression of early modernism. Initially associated with Expressionist architecture in Germany, his early works were characterized by dramatic, sculptural forms that seemed to pulse with energy. Think of buildings that looked in motion, breaking away from rigid, traditional styles. He had a remarkable ability to translate abstract ideas and even emotional states into compelling architectural forms, often using brick and concrete in innovative and fluid ways.
Facing the rise of Nazism, Mendelsohn emigrated, first to the UK, then to Palestine (now Israel), and finally to the United States. This journey influenced his work, as he adapted his expressive style to different contexts and climates, incorporating more rational and functional elements while retaining his signature dynamism. Notable early works include the Einstein Tower in Potsdam, Germany, with its unique, almost organic form, and later projects like the Mount Zion Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem, demonstrating his evolving approach. While he didn’t receive the Pritzker Prize (as it was established after his death), his pioneering contributions to modern architecture and influence on subsequent generations are undeniable.
Signature: Dynamic and sculptural forms, the early embrace of reinforced concrete for expressive purposes, a transition from Expressionism to a more functional yet still dynamic modernism, and a sensitivity to context and landscape in his later works.
14. Tadao Ando (b. 1941) – Japan
An architect without the traditional path of formal education rose to become a global icon. His work is infused with a profound sense of spirituality. That is the story of Tadao Ando. Ando’s significant contributions to architecture have been widely recognized, including the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1995 and the AIA Gold Medal in 2002. His work consistently demonstrates a unique ability to create spaces that foster introspection and a deep connection to the environment.
His building designs are carefully orchestrated experiences involving the elemental interplay of light, shadow, the stark beauty of concrete, and a powerful sense of silence. Ando’s designs invite contemplation, stripping away the superfluous to reveal the essential.
A prime example of his minimalist genius is the Church of the Light. A seemingly simple act—a cross-shaped cutout in the concrete wall—becomes a transformative gesture, allowing a dramatic shaft of light to pierce the darkness and imbuing the space with profound meaning and emotion.
Belief: Ando’s architecture is rooted in the conviction that it should be an emotional and meditative experience, engaging the senses and the spirit through carefully manipulating fundamental elements.
15. Frank O. Gehry (b. 1929) – Canada/USA
Frank Gehry’s architectural designs are liberated forms of buildings, recognized for their ‘rule-breaking’ nature. The essence of his groundbreaking work is not to follow any constraints. His buildings often explode with a playful rebellion, resembling abstract sculptures that challenge conventional notions of what architecture can be. Gehry masterfully blurs the boundaries between the built environment and pure art, creating structures that are as visually arresting as they are spatially innovative.
His impact extends far beyond aesthetics. With the creation of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Gehry ignited what became known as the “Bilbao Effect,” demonstrating the transformative power of bold, iconic design to revitalize and redefine entire cities. His fearless experimentation with materials like titanium and glass, often arranged in seemingly unpredictable yet ultimately harmonious organic forms, has made his style instantly recognizable and widely influential. Gehry’s visionary contributions have been celebrated with numerous accolades, including the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1989 and the AIA Gold Medal in 1999.
Style: Characterized by a deconstructivist approach, frequently employing materials like titanium and glass and a penchant for organic forms arranged in dynamic and unexpected ways.
Supporting Modern Designs Inspired by Legacy Architects
The 20th century marked a transformative era in architectural thinking, shaped by the bold and visionary work of fifteen extraordinary architects. From Frank Lloyd Wright’s harmonious designs that melded with nature to Zaha Hadid’s daring curves that seemed to defy gravity, each trailblazer redefined the limits of architectural creativity. Today, their legacy inspires and influences modern design, reminding us of architecture’s profound impact on living, working, and connecting.
Building on this spirit of innovation, Uppteam is passionate about creating architectural solutions that honor these pioneering ideals while addressing the needs of today’s world. Uppteam takes a client-focused approach to design, blending creativity with practicality to craft visually striking and purposefully functional spaces.
Uppteam builds on the legacy of architectural visionaries by offering comprehensive design support services tailored to modern needs. Our designers produce architectural construction document sets and create immersive walkthroughs, flythroughs, renderings, 360-degree views, and time-lapse animations using tools that bring ideas to life. Inspired by the pioneers of the 20th century, we collaborate closely with clients to craft sustainable, human-centered spaces that balance innovation and functionality. Our idea is to convert our client’s ideas into realities.
Sreela Biswas 
