Tropical Modernism

Tropical Modernism, or Tropical Modern is a style of architecture that merges modernist architecture principles with tropical vernacular traditions, emerging in the mid-20th century. This movement responded to the unique climatic and cultural conditions of tropical regions, primarily in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific Islands. Pioneering architects like Geoffrey Bawa in Sri Lanka, and Charles Correa in India balanced modern architectural techniques with traditional building practices of their respective regions. Tropical Modernism's legacy continues to influence contemporary architectural practices, especially in the quest for sustainable design solutions in tropical climates.

Historical development
Tropical Modernism originated in the mid-20th century, a period marked by post-war modernization and decolonization, which saw emerging national identities across the Global South. The movement was a response to the modernist architectural approaches of the time, aiming to adapt them to the unique environmental and cultural contexts of tropical regions.

Origins and early pioneers
The early pioneers of Tropical Modernism include architects like Geoffrey Bawa in Sri Lanka, whose work demonstrated a profound understanding of the local climate and culture, blending modernist principles with traditional vernacular architecture. Similarly, architects like Charles Correa in India contributed to the movement by integrating modern architectural forms with traditional Indian architectural elements.

Post-war modernization
The post-war era saw a surge in modernization efforts across many tropical countries. The need for new infrastructure and urban development provided a fertile ground for the adaptation and evolution of modernist architectural principles in tropical contexts.

Decolonization and national identity
The period of decolonization in many tropical regions contributed to the rise of Tropical Modernism, as emerging nations sought to express their newly found national identities through architecture. The movement became a means to reflect a blend of modernity and tradition in architectural designs.

Regional variations and evolution
Tropical Modernism manifested differently across various regions, reflecting the unique cultural, political, and environmental conditions of each area. In West Africa, for instance, the movement was intertwined with political power and national identity. Similarly, in regions like Latin America and Southeast Asia, Tropical Modernism evolved to reflect the distinct vernacular traditions and modernization agendas.

Characteristics
Tropical Modernism is characterized by its seamless integration of modernist principles with tropical vernacular architectures. The style places a significant emphasis on environmental responsiveness, often characterized by extensive use of local materials, passive cooling strategies, and a strong indoor-outdoor connection.

Environmental responsiveness
A defining characteristic of Tropical Modernism is its responsiveness to the local climate. The design approach often incorporates passive cooling strategies, such as natural ventilation, shading, and water features, to mitigate the harsh tropical climate. Buildings designed in this style are typically oriented to maximize natural ventilation and minimize solar heat gain, thereby reducing the reliance on mechanical cooling systems.

Use of local materials
The use of local materials is a hallmark of Tropical Modernism, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and a respect for local traditions. Materials such as timber, stone, and thatch are commonly used, often in innovative ways that reflect both modernist and traditional craftsmanship.

Indoor-outdoor connection
One of the quintessential features of Tropical Modernism is the blurring of indoor and outdoor spaces to promote natural ventilation and a sense of openness. This is often achieved through the use of large openings, verandas, courtyards, and other transitional spaces, which encourage the flow of air and the extension of living spaces into the landscape.

Architectural elements
Tropical Modernism often incorporates architectural elements that are characteristic of the local vernacular, such as pitched roofs, wide eaves, and raised floor levels, which are adapted to modernist sensibilities. The juxtaposition of modern and traditional elements creates a distinctive architectural language that reflects a synthesis of global modernist trends with local building traditions.

Notable practitioners
Tropical Modernism has been significantly shaped by a number of architects who melded modern architectural principles with tropical vernacular designs. Some notable practitioners include:


 * Maxwell Fry and Jane Drew. This couple of British architects were active in British West Africa (Ghana, Nigeria, Gambia and Sierra Leone), where they used new construction methods and innovative techniques of climate control (e.g., adjustable louvers, wide eaves and brises soleils). They drew international attention to the principles of modernism as applied to the tropical context through the establishment of the Department of Tropical Architecture at the Architectural Association in 1954 and through their influntial book Tropical Architecture in the Humid Zone (1956).
 * Geoffrey Bawa: A Sri Lankan architect known for pioneering Tropical Modernism. His work exemplifies the integration of modernist design principles with the traditional architectural elements of Sri Lanka, creating a unique, locally adapted style of modern architecture.
 * Vladimir Ossipoff: Known as the “master of Hawaiian architecture,” Ossipoff’s work prominently features the elements of Tropical Modernism. His designs emphasize natural ventilation, indoor-outdoor integration, and the use of local materials to create buildings suited for Hawaii’s climate.
 * Charles Correa: An Indian architect who significantly contributed to Tropical Modernism by integrating modern architectural forms with traditional Indian architectural elements. His design for the Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya in Ahmedabad is a notable example.
 * Lúcio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer: These Brazilian architects were instrumental in the development of Tropical Modernism in Brazil, with their design for the city of Brasília showcasing modernist architectural principles adapted to the tropical climate.

Exemplary projects
Tropical Modernism is epitomized in various projects that showcase the movement's key characteristics of environmental responsiveness, use of local materials, and indoor-outdoor connectivity. Here are some exemplary projects:


 * Kandalama Hotel, Sri Lanka: Designed by Geoffrey Bawa, this hotel is a quintessential example of Tropical Modernism. Its design incorporates the natural landscape, local materials, and modern architectural principles.
 * Liljestrand House, Hawaii: Designed by Vladimir Ossipoff, this house exemplifies the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, a hallmark of Tropical Modernism.
 * Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya, Ahmedabad, India: This museum, designed by Charles Correa, reflects the principles of Tropical Modernism with its use of local materials, passive cooling techniques, and integration of indoor and outdoor spaces.
 * Palácio do Planalto, Brasília, Brazil: Designed by Lúcio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer, this presidential palace showcases Tropical Modernism with its modernist design adapted to the tropical climate.
 * The Salk Institute, La Jolla, California: Although not located in a tropical region, the design by Louis Kahn incorporates key principles of Tropical Modernism.
 * Pearl Bank Apartments, Singapore: Designed by Tan Cheng Siong, this residential high-rise is a hallmark of Tropical Modernism in Southeast Asia. * Faculty of Architecture Building, Khon Kaen University, Thailand: This building is a fine example of how Tropical Modernism can be integrated into educational infrastructure.

Regional variations
Tropical Modernism, though rooted in modernist architectural principles, has been diversified and enlivened by its interaction with various regional vernacular traditions. Below are some regional variations:


 * Hawaii: In Hawaii, the style became prominent through the works of architects like Vladimir Ossipoff, who blended Modernism with local vernacular styles. His designs highlighted the importance of environmental responsiveness and cultural sensitivity, which are now considered as seminal examples of Tropical Modernism in the Pacific region.


 * West Africa: The style was also adapted in West Africa where it was used as a tool to assert a modern identity post-independence. Architects such as Maxwell Fry and Jane Drew utilized Tropical Modern principles to design buildings suited to the local climate while embodying a modern aesthetic.


 * Brazil: In Brazil, architects like Paulo Mendes da Rocha gained international recognition for sustainable designs embodying Tropical Modernism. This regional variant emphasized functionality, aesthetic appeal, and incorporation of natural elements, reflecting a synthesis of Modernism and "Brasilidade" or Brazilian-ness.

Criticism and colonial legacy
Tropical Modernism has faced criticism for its colonial roots, particularly in regions such as West Africa. Initially, this architectural style was employed by colonial powers, representing a form of colonial imposition, especially in British West Africa. The design principles of Tropical Modernism were largely tailored to cater to the comfort of colonial administrators, fostering a notion of a more productive colonial subject to counter calls for independence. Despite its Eurocentric beginnings, post-independence leaders like Kwame Nkrumah recognized the potential of Tropical Modernism for nation-building, intertwining it with Pan-African ideologies to foster a sense of national identity and progress.

Perspectives surrounding Vladimir Ossipoff and Tropical Modernism in Hawaii are nuanced. Ossipoff, often dubbed as the "master of Hawaiian architecture," played a pivotal role in bringing the essence of Tropical Modernism to the Hawaiian Islands. His work is known for its environmental sensitivity, cultural contextualization, and appropriateness to Hawaii's unique landscape characteristics, portraying a harmonious blend between modern architectural principles and local cultural and geographic contexts. He was known for his conviction-driven, no-nonsense approach towards architecture, waging what he called a "war on ugliness," which was brought on by dismal architectural design and rampant over-development in the Hawaiian Islands.

However, it's essential to note that the term "Tropical Modernism" itself, as a broader movement beyond Ossipoff's work, has faced criticisms for potentially carrying colonial or Eurocentric undertones, especially when applied in non-Western contexts like Africa. Critics argue that the movement, while aiming to blend modernist and local vernacular architectures, might inadvertently perpetuate a form of architectural colonialism or exhibit a Eurocentric bias, often by dismissing or undervaluing local architectural traditions in favor of modernist principles.

Contemporary relevance
The contemporary relevance of Tropical Modernism lies in its ability to address climate-related challenges inherent to tropical regions. Several aspects underscore its modern-day significance:


 * Sustainable development: Approximately 50% of the world's population resides in the tropical belt, where the fastest-growing cities are located, along with 70% of the forests that help contain CO2 emissions. The principles of Tropical Modernism are crucial for designing coherent and adapted architecture in these regions, recognizing the values of tropicality along with its specificities.


 * Environmental responsiveness: The style emphasizes passive design elements to achieve thermal comfort, an approach that is critical in tropical climates characterized by high temperatures and humidity. Features such as sunshades, overhangs, and the use of local materials contribute to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.


 * Regional architectural expressions: The resurgence of regional architectures, including Tropical Modernism, is noted in international architectural discourse. This style allows for the exploration of regionalized aesthetics, encouraging reflective design practices that contemplate environmental and human contingencies. It challenges the globalized mainstream architectural aesthetics, promoting a more contextual and thoughtful architectural practice.