Modern Architecture with a Humanistic Touch
Modern architecture is often characterized by simplicity and the absence of extraneous decoration or detail. This philosophy is based on the principle that "form follows function," a phrase originally coined by Frank Lloyd Wright's mentor, Louis Sullivan – the father of modernism.
Stephen Chung, host of the upcoming PBS television program, Cool Spaces, which profiles the best of contemporary architecture, considers himself a modern architect. His Boston-based studio focuses primarily on designing small to mid-sized residential and hospitality projects in the modern style.
"Even in modern architecture," Chung says, "there needs to be a humanist quality. Wood and other natural materials, such as stone, marble and leather, can impart warmth in a way that simulated materials made with industrialized manufacturing techniques cannot."
In addition to his duties as an on-air television personality and principal of his own firm, he has taught design and drawing at schools such as Syracuse University, Cornell University, the Rhode Island School of Design, the University of Texas at Austin and Yale University. Chung also gave a presentation entitled "Cool Spaces in Wood" at the IWPA Annual Convention in Vancouver in April.
Chung employs exotic wood strategically in his own work. "I tend to think of a beautiful piece of wood or a unique piece of stone or some other unusual natural element as a piece of art," he says. "I like to embrace its uniqueness and abstraction, and of course all of its natural irregularities, and work them into a setting as an accent of a focal point, much
Frequently asked questions
Who coined the phrase 'form follows function'?+
The phrase was originally coined by Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright's mentor and the father of modernism.
Who is the host of the PBS program Cool Spaces?+
Stephen Chung, a Boston-based modern architect, hosts the PBS television program Cool Spaces, which profiles the best of contemporary architecture.
What types of projects does Stephen Chung's architecture studio focus on?+
His Boston-based studio focuses primarily on designing small to mid-sized residential and hospitality projects in the modern style.
Why does Stephen Chung use natural materials in modern architecture?+
Chung believes modern architecture needs a humanist quality. Wood and other natural materials such as stone, marble and leather impart warmth in a way that simulated, industrially manufactured materials cannot.
How does Stephen Chung incorporate exotic wood into his designs?+
Chung treats a beautiful piece of wood or unique stone as a piece of art, embracing its uniqueness, abstraction and natural irregularities, and using it as an accent or focal point within a setting.
Where has Stephen Chung taught architecture and design?+
He has taught design and drawing at Syracuse University, Cornell University, the Rhode Island School of Design, the University of Texas at Austin, and Yale University.