Briefly describe the characteristics of modern design compared with traditional design.

Modern design, modernist design, is usually called "functionalist design", "technical beauty" or "machine art". Modernist architecture refers to an architectural thought that dominated the western architectural circles in the mid-20th century. The representative of this kind of architecture advocates that architects should get rid of the shackles of traditional architectural forms and boldly create brand-new buildings that meet the conditions and requirements of industrialized society. Therefore, it has distinct rationalism and radicalism.

Modernist architectural thought is first implemented in practical building types such as factory buildings, primary and secondary schools, hospitals, libraries and a large number of residential buildings. In 1950s, it was also realized in memorial and national buildings, such as the United Nations Headquarters Building and the Parliament Building. By the middle of the 20th century, modernism was dominant in the world architectural trend.