Favorite Architectural Developments in the Last 100 Years: Defining Moments in Design by A Alberto Lugo

A Alberto Lugo believes the past century has seen incredible architectural transformations, with design, materials, and technology innovations that have redefined how we shape our built environment. From iconic skyscrapers to groundbreaking sustainable practices, here are some of the most influential architectural developments of the last 100 years

Skyscrapers have become synonymous with urban life, and the 20th century saw the birth of some of the most iconic structures Buildings like the Empire State Building (1931) and the Burj Khalifa (2010) have pushed the boundaries of engineering and design, symbolizing human ambition and technological prowess. These towering structures revolutionized urban skylines and became landmarks of modern architecture

The modernist movement, championed by architects like Le Corbusier and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, dramatically changed architecture in the 20th century. With an emphasis on simplicity, function, and new materials like steel and glass, modernism rejected the ornamentation of previous eras Buildings like Villa Savoye and the Seagram Building epitomized this philosophy and have had a lasting influence on contemporary design.

Brutalism emerged in the mid-20th century as a raw, uncompromising style characterized by exposed concrete and geometric forms While polarizing, this style became iconic for public

institutions and universities, with buildings like the Barbican Centre in London and Boston’s City Hall exemplifying its bold, utilitarian aesthetic.

In recent decades, the push for sustainability has become a defining feature of architectural innovation Buildings like the Bosco Verticale in Milan (2014), which incorporates greenery into its design, and the LEED-certified Bullitt Center in Seattle (2013), designed to produce more energy than it consumes, highlight the growing emphasis on environmentally responsible architecture

The last 100 years have been a period of remarkable innovation, reshaping the architectural landscape in ways that continue to inspire and influence the future of design.

The introduction of computer-aided design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) has transformed architecture. These tools have allowed architects to explore complex geometries, as seen in Zaha Hadid’s fluid designs, and revolutionized how buildings are conceptualized and constructed