What is Modernism?

It means integrity; it means honesty; it means the absence of sentimentality and the absence of nostalgia; it means simplicity; it means clarity. That's what modernism means to me. - Paul Rand, 1996

Modernism was about functional design - clear and clean communication, exemplified by equally crisp line and shape.

Mecano Typeface, based on geometric structures. Wide open and simple shapes, reflecting the spirit of mechanical technology.

Functional 

Knoll Luminere Paint

SIA 55: This guide contains a selection of fifty-five recent and innovative architecture projects from Geneva. The inspiration here is obvious: Classic Swiss design. Primary font: Helvetica 

Antwerpen Lonkt: Suggestive book cover design for a collection of cultural and touristic posters from the Letterenhuis's Collection. Primary Font: Heavy Futura 

Sikkens Prize: This 21st-century modernist design combines Swiss purity with contemporary chromatic eclecticism. Primary Font: Helvetica 

Turnstyle Mailer: FedEx-style Mailer for studio Turnstyle Primary Fonts: Alte Haas Grotesk, Times