Modern Regionalism

Architectural approach that adapts Modernist principles to the unique cultural, climatic, and material conditions of the specific region. Modern Regionalism is characterised by context-specific design choices over the application of a universal modernising style. It emphasises sensitivity to landscape, community, and tradition through the use of local architectural forms, regional materials, traditional construction methods, or elements of cultural significance. Pioneering South Asian Modernist architects of the mid-twentieth century, such as Minnette de Silva, Charles Correa, and Geoffrey Bawa exemplified this approach through their use of elements such as traditional sloping roof forms, deep verandahs, and internal courtyards to protect from the harsh tropical sun, and local materials like stone and timber alongside concrete and steel. Modern Regionalism was a practical precursor to the concept of Critical Regionalism that emerged in architectural discourse in 1981 as a way to reconcile global architectural trends with local context.