Modernist architecture emerged as a response to the social, economic, and technological changes wrought by the industrial revolution. As such, it reflects the shift in the economic base from agriculture to industry, and the attendant changes in social organization and living patterns.
One of the key features of modernist architecture is its emphasis on functionality and efficiency, which is derived from the principles of industrial production. This emphasis on function and modern construction materials also meant that modernist architecture could be constructed using mass production techniques, which made it much more affordable and accessible than traditional architecture.
As a result, modernism flourished in the post-war era, when the economies of the industrialized nations were booming and there was a huge demand for affordable, functional housing and public buildings. The International Style, which emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, was particularly well-suited to this era, as it emphasized clean, simple lines and an absence of ornamentation, which made it easy to construct using mass-production techniques.
Overall, then, there is a direct relationship between modernist architecture and the economy, as the rise of modernism can be seen as a reflection of the economic and social changes wrought by the industrial revolution and the post-war era.
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