†During the twentieth century, the design of buildings became less decorative and more functional.
Concrete, reinforced with steel frames, became a popular material for construction.
Stronger structures meant than modern buildings started to have what looked like walls of glass.
There was also a trend towards building higher and higher skyscrapers. The Empire State Building in New York was built over a period of three years and was completed in 1931, standing at a height of 381 metres. This was the tallest building in the world for the next forty years.
