Final answer:
Louis Sullivan's Wainwright Building illustrates modern architecture with its use of industrially produced materials, adherence to the 'form follows function' principle, and simplicity of design, while also incorporating historical elements through terracotta ornamentation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Louis Sullivan's Wainwright Building is a seminal piece of architecture that reflects both the modern era principles and the styles of the past. The Wainwright Building, completed in 1891 in St. Louis, Missouri, is often celebrated for its use of industrially produced materials such as steel and terracotta, which were innovations of the Industrial Revolution. It stands as an early example of the skyscraper, a form that became emblematic of modern architecture.
One of the central tenets of modern architecture is the concept that "form follows function," a phrase coined by Sullivan. This principle is clearly visible in the Wainwright Building, where the verticality of the building echoes its structural requirements and the tall windows suggest the office spaces within. The building avoids unnecessary decoration while still maintaining a sense of style and grandeur with its terra cotta friezes and ornamentation, which pay homage to the past.
The Wainwright Building's distinct appearance, featuring large windows and minimal ornamentation, reflects Sullivan's desire for simplicity and clarity of forms. Unlike earlier architectural styles that often concealed structural elements, the Wainwright Building proudly displays its steel frame through its large windows. Furthermore, Sullivan's approach precursors the visual expression of structure and the truth to materials that would be widely adopted by later modern architects.