Final answer:
Option(a) The emphasis on visible expression of structural systems refers to the International Style of architecture, characterized by an emphasis on volume, industrial materials, and the absence of ornamentation, displaying the functional and structural elements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The emphasis on visible expression of structural systems is most associated with International Style architecture. The International Style became synonymous with modern architecture due to the influence of Le Corbusier and his theories in the 1920s and 30s. According to the Getty Research Institute, the primary attributes of International Style buildings include an emphasis on volume over mass, light, industrially produced materials over traditional heavy masonry, rejection of ornamentation, modular forms, and flat surfaces typically accompanied by glass areas. This approach to architecture concentrated on reducing buildings to their pure functional forms, exposing structural elements such as steel beams and concrete surfaces instead of concealing them.
The International Style also adopted a machine aesthetic with a visual emphasis on horizontal and vertical lines, promoting the idea that 'decoration is a crime'. Not only did this architectural approach reflect the technological advancements brought about by the Industrial Revolution, but it also marked a departure from historical references and ornamentation in favor of functionalist details. Therefore, the correct answer is a) International Style. The International Style, originating in the 1920s, is a minimalist architectural movement emphasizing functionality and simplicity. Characterized by clean lines, flat surfaces, and lack of ornamentation, it seeks universal design principles for a modern, efficient aesthetic in buildings worldwide.