Modernism and The Loss of Traditional Southern Architecture
What’s gained and lost when technology creates freedom around a building’s form?

Written By Vaneesha Patel
Throughout history, the way that buildings have been designed has been impacted by climate. While design features have almost always incorporated utilitarian needs related to a location’s weather, the introduction of new technology has changed the way we both think about and implement different building forms. These changes have brought more choice to design decisions. But before taking geography out of the equation altogether, it’s worth remembering how these choices impact an area’s sense of place.
A prime example is how the South’s explosive growth is at least partially attributable to a single invention: air conditioning. In an attempt to beat the heat and humidity of the South before the widespread use of air conditioning, people looked to architecture for relief. Homes were often built with more windows and higher ceilings to promote airflow. In addition, windows were all functioning, with screens to allow people to let air in while leaving insects outside. Even the notable wrap-around porch found on many traditional southern homes was often constructed as a place for people to gather in comfort.
Now, with the widespread use of air conditioning, homes no longer need those practical architectural elements. They don’t require windows that open or gas stoves that are centrally located, thereby containing heat within the home. With the limiting factor of climate removed, designers now face fewer geographically dictated constraints. We no longer have to design for different uses.
This newfound freedom provides more flexibility for designers. Now able to focus their design choices around cost, aesthetics, or other factors, they can now implement whatever forms they would like. But is this what we want? When function no longer determines form, everything can begin to look the same. Elements that are considered unique to specific regions of the US no longer need to exist, because the purpose that they once served no longer exists. As a result, the different styles of homes that we see throughout the United States may become more uniform as technology continues to remove design constraints.
Vaneesha Patel is the Spring 2023 Mencken Publishing Fellow on Urban Development.