You could also ask Adolf Loos[1]. The problem is that theory doesn't explain why specifically, modernism displayed traditional architecture starting in the 192

You could also ask Adolf Loos[1]. The problem is that theory doesn't explain why specifically, modernism displayed traditional architecture starting in the 1920s. Was there a phase change in what businesses requested from architectural firms? Was there a systemic shift in shareholder relations, or how boards made decisions? Were non-ornamented buildings substantially less expensive? Do we have accounts of decision-makers requesting less ornamentation? The issue that I have with this theory is that it's bottom-barrel speculation. It's no better than folk etymology and we shouldn't hold it to a lesser standard. There's more mundane explanations too, like architectural students were indoctrinated with modernism architectural principles because it was a shiny new design trend rather than an over-arching economy of hidden incentives that resulted in minimalism. 1. https://depts.washington.edu/vienna/documents/Loos/Loos_Ornament.htm https://depts.washington.edu/vienna/documents/Loos/Loos_Orna...