Our exploration begins with the architectural styles from the 1930s to the present day that embody Modernism. This was a period of significant change in the architectural world, particularly between the two World Wars, when the avant-garde art movement began to gain momentum. This marked the birth of a new kind of architecture, one that revived the spatiality that had been lost since the Baroque period. However, this revival was accompanied by a heightened focus on the relationship between the functional requirements of a building and the methods used to fulfil them, methods that made use of new materials and innovative construction techniques.
The architects who spearheaded this movement were predominantly young and were largely educated at the School of Madrid. The emphasis that this school placed on drawing and imaging was clearly reflected in their works. The influence of German magazines, which played a crucial role in the early dissemination of rationalism, was particularly evident in their designs.
Modern architecture represents a significant chapter in the architectural history of Andalusia. It is characterised by its innovative use of space, its emphasis on functionality, and its adoption of new materials and construction techniques. The architects of this movement have left a lasting legacy, one that continues to shape the architectural landscape of the region to this day.
The societal needs of the era led to the construction of numerous public buildings, which served as platforms for the practice of new architectural styles. The routes focus on these buildings and suggest visits to the Universities of Cordoba, Seville, and Almeria, the hospitals in Linares and Cordoba, and the bus stations in Seville and Almeria.
Proposals were also made for new townships in historically unpopulated areas, such as Esquivel in Seville, and Miraelrío in Jaen. Concurrently, the growth of tourism in Malaga and Cadiz led to the construction of luxurious developments like Sotogrande, as well as a variety of hotels and apartment buildings.
The establishment of the Seville School of Architecture in the 1960s marked the commencement of Andalusian architectural production. Architecture was understood as a discipline requiring the accumulation of knowledge, reflection on history, and the use of memory as a material. The search for type conformance was set aside in favour of interpreting the site and using construction materials. These principles led to the creation of buildings such as the School of Exact Sciences, the Santa Justa Station in Seville, the expansion of the Provincial Museum of Cadiz, and the Almeria Music Conservatory.