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Modern Architecture in North Carolina

Modern architecture and art in North Carolina have been regular fixtures since they first sprung up in the early 20th century and modern style architecture in particular looks for simplicity, clarity, and the omission of the decorative.

Function is privileged over ornamentation in modern architectural forms following modern transformations in labor and social function. Modern architecture in North Carolina has several impressive elements but right now; let’s start with defining modern style architecture.

What Makes Architecture Modern?

All modern styles use asymmetry and minimalism to create clean, open spaces in homes and commercial buildings. Modern architecture relies on features like large windows, broader roof overhangs, open floor plans, and clean lines.

A non-modern style like Gothic Revival architecture has ornamentation galore with roof gables, pointed arches, and pointed arches as decorative elements.

Another key feature of modern styles of architecture is that they complement, merge, and converse with the environment around them. They accomplish this through added elements that reflect or converge with the environment.

North Carolina’s Modern Architecture

Modernism was a key movement in North Carolina and produced some of its best commercial properties and houses. The North Carolina State University has even dedicated its architecture school to the study, preservation, and development of modern architecture.

Through the efforts of the school, as well as historical preservationists and architects, modern style architecture is a valued entity throughout the state. For instance, the J.S. Dorton Arena was entered into the register of national historical sites.

Modernist Buildings in North Carolina

The Dorton Arena, or the Paraboleum, dates back to 1952 and was designed by modernist architect, Matthew Norwicki. The parabolic, elliptical arena uses saddle-shaped roofing in tension and has nearly 7500+ seats.

The Paraboleum is one of the most iconic modern commercial properties in North Carolina, along with the Nasher Museum of Art in Durham. The Nasher Museum, designed by Rafael Viñoly, was completed in 2005 and stands as a 65,000 square-foot property with modernist details.

The J.S. Dorton Arena, Raleigh, North Carolina
Architect: Maciej Nowicki
Image Credit: USAToday

Like the Paraboleum, it uses geometric features that elevate and open the layout of the spaces. At the center of the building’s design is another statement piece like the elliptical curve of Dorton. For the Nasher Museum, this statement piece happens to be a 13,000 square-foot roof made from glass and steel.

Modern Architecture in North Carolina - The Nasher Museum of Art - Durham North Carolina

The Nasher Museum of Art, Durham, North Carolina
Architect: Rafael Viñoly

Image Credit: Futurist Architecture

The roof hangs 45 feet above the great halls and a total of five concrete pavilions branch out through a courtyard to the museum’s gallery spaces, commercial areas, and its auditorium.

Other notable North Carolina structures include the Akzona Building in Asheville, a glass and concrete building in the Pack Square district designed by I.M. Pei.

Modern Architecture in North Carolina - A view of Pack Square - Asheville North Carolina

A view of Pack Square, Asheville North Carolina
Cole, Jenest & Stone - Landscape Architecture + Civil Engineering Firm
Image Credit: ExploreAsheville.com

The building is a 1980 addition to the modernist wave of skin-and-bone styles in architecture that merge inner and outer spaces through windows and open floor plans.

The contemporary interventions in modern style architecture make it sustainable and livable, key necessities for future architectural developments as the population in North Carolina expands and new forms of living arise.

References:

https://www.atlasofplaces.com/architecture/raleigh-house/

http://architectuul.com/architecture/dorton-arena

https://www.architectmagazine.com/organization/north-carolina-modernist-homes

https://www.dezeen.com/tag/north-carolina/

https://www.ncmodernist.org/

https://www.ourstate.com/the-four-elements-of-a-modern-home/

https://nasher.duke.edu/about/about-the-building/

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-arthistory/chapter/the-beginning-of-modern-architecture/

http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/portal/communities/architecture/styles/gothic-revival.html#:~:text=The%20most%20commonly%20identifiable%20feature,trim%20called%20vergeboards%20or%20bargeboards.

https://www.ourstate.com/the-marvelous-mr-modern-george-smart/

https://www.thespruce.com/modern-architecture-4797910