October is the perfect time to celebrate since it’s the Month of Modern (though let’s be honest -- we hardly need an excuse to talk about Modern architecture.). Colorado has a ton of modern buildings, from the grandiose Sculptured “Sleeper” House on I-70 (nicknamed as such for its appearance in Woody Allen’s 1973 film of the same name), to the Googie-style buildings on Colfax and at Lakeside Amusement Park, to some less conspicuous buildings, including churches, residences, ski resorts, gas stations, and more. (And yes, most of the buildings in the pictures here are in Boulder, but there are many more throughout the state!)
There are lots of reasons modern architecture is so inspiring. Some respond to the clean, horizontal lines of a Usonian home, while others appreciate the asymmetry, whimsy, and informality of modern buildings that reject the notion that a building has to follow any traditional pattern or structure. (Check out some of Aspen’s chalets — some of them feel like they’re out of a fairy tale, no?)
Others find meaning in the emphasis on natural materials — primarily wood — and the way that many buildings of the last century were designed to blend in with their environment, instead of standing out against it. Large picture windows invite the inhabitants of the buildings to feel connected to the nature around them — but not at the expense of privacy. Can you spot the front door on every building in these photos? It’s tough, right? Many modern styles embrace a sense of obscurity, hiding front entryways that are visible from the street, but open up on the backside of the house so as not to feel enclosed or separated from the outside.
There are a million other different characteristics of modern buildings, and just as many reasons to love them. Check out these awesome photos taken by photographer Tom Lundin from The Denver Eye, then tell us: What inspires you to fall in love with Modern?
