The start to the overall journey of architecture dates back to as early as what is considered the Neolithic period. What is also considered the stone age, was set back to around the years 7,000 B.C.E. to 1,000 B.C.E. The Neolithic Age is mainly portrayed as the first major development of agriculture, and the start of the use and evolution of tools and weapons made of polished stones. This was also the first known appearance of pottery. The first known architectural buildings of human civilisation were created for religious and governmental structures in ancient Mesopotamia. This was the ziggurat, a type of structure called a stepped temple. The pyramids of ancient Egypt eventually followed, an iconic set of structures now considered one of the seven world wonders. After this age, the Greeks and Romans created constructions of very complex design - columns, aqueducts, amphitheatres, triumphal arches, and other marble-made structures. This era inspired many generations of architecture to come. 

Although not all styles of architecture have been mentioned, this is a relatively accurate timeline of the eras before modern architecture. The birth of modern architecture was in the 19th century. This style is also known as International Modernism and or International Style, after the famous art exhibition on modernist architecture by Philip Johnson in America 1932.

With the emerging technology, development of engineering, and building materials, the want became quantity over quality, overall killing the aspect of creativity and starting the investment in the pure functionality of architecture rather than then complex, time-consuming design aspects. Minimalism became the new era of architecture. This has trended materials such as steel, glass and concrete, and the style of sharp and blocky shape. 

The word modern comes from late Middle English: from late Latin ‘modernus’, and Latin ‘modo’ meaning ‘just now’. Another helpful word derived from modern is "modish," which means to the latest style and fashion. The word overall refers to the flow of trends and transformation, nuances of the present. Modern architecture is categorised by its emphasis on volume, asymmetrical compositions, and minimal decoration (minimalism). In Britain, there was a movement called the Modern Movement, and is described by the key exact, rigor modernist designs of the 1930s - 1960s. Key people in this movement were Walter Gropius and Le Corbusier, with this whole event having major impact on the design of many public housings to come in Britain, as well as an effect on the modernism of architecture.  

Le Corbusier states the design principles, he included the following five points. These included ‘Pilotis’, more known as pillars, roof gardens, an open floor plan, long windows, and open facades. Some key features of the style we know of today also include asymmetry, rectangular shape, and broad roof overhangs. Some of the styles that are considered a part of modern architecture are brutalism, minimalism, constructionism, BAUHAUS and deconstructivism. 

Overall, the evolution of architecture has come a long way to the present. Many long for the past eras, but eventually, this one too will become history. It remains to be seen which ideas will impact our thinking? What will be the next trend in architecture?  

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