Mediterranean determinism in the architecture of Alvaro Siza and Eduardo Soto de Moura

Abstract

Appearance of modernism in the history of architecture was marked by revolutionary changes in architectural design and very radical break with previous practices and aesthetic styles-oriented approach. From modernism architecture declared more functional, rational and human oriented ideas. However, the wish to establish universal values in design all around the world, has resulted with same or very similar architecture disconnected from context and all its parameters. Nevertheless, during the all time of modernism, some of the most important representatives of the movement were aware of specific importance of context and its relations with proper architectural design. The Mediterranean area had very particular role in this attitude, during the entire modernist history of 20th century, but especially after postmodernism with reincarnation of modernist ideas in the form of neo-modernism. Such revival of pure, functionalist and minimalist design was accompanied with new "genius loci" orientation and full respect to traditional, social, climate, topography and natural aspects of architectural context. Some of the most prominent representatives of this approach are two Portuguese architects, both awarded by the Pritzker Prize for Architecture; Alvaro Siza and Eduardo Soto de Moura, which work and study cases of some of their projects could be relevant examples and proof of value and adjustment possibilities of modernist ideas in accordance to architect's creativity and wish to respect all the particularities of any site.