Contemporary architecture

What is Contemporary Architecture?

Contemporary architecture is the movement where modern styles blend, sharing various features.
And these styles rely on fewer classicized building ideas. The term ‘contemporary’ may have been
misplaced. This is because it can still describe buildings that are almost eight decades old. Your
home or office may be contemporarily designed. It means you reside in one of the pioneers of new
building styles. Because there are many styles, it is difficult to come up with a formal definition to
describe the movement.

Traditional architectural styles play a massive role in beautifying corporate offices. They also bring
functionality to the corporate environment. For this reason, most architects still pay tribute to
classicized features. They can do this in as a sign of loyalty to architectural legacy as well as for form
and function. The style differentiates itself from the modern architecture of the late twentieth
century. This is due to adding eco-friendly features and introducing all manners of creativity.
Moreover, it involves the use of state-of-the-art technology and materials. Today, it is easy to
simulate computer-aided designs to create buildings. With modern computer software, architects
can design with high-level precision and speed.
Features of Contemporary Architecture: The Expressiveness of Form and Design

Classicized ideas thrived on specific design elements. The have flourishes that are predictable and
distinguishable while contemporary architecture is more flexible. Contemporary architects thrive on
sophisticated and innovative ideas. They deviate from traditions and norms. To achieve this, they
need contemporary materials to create these ideas. You will not only appreciate the innovative and
creative designs in these buildings. You will also understand the aesthetic feeling through the unique
design of structures.

Moreover, contemporary architecture uses a vast range of building materials. These include concrete,
glass, wood, and aluminum screens. These materials add contrast and homogeneity. For instance,
you will notice they have oversized plate glass windows. These allow plenty of natural light and
create large open spaces. They engender a sense of airiness, hence minimizing air conditioning costs.
Moreover, the building frames follow symmetry and they often have innovative shapes. To know
that some of these materials are eco-friendly is a huge bonus for this style.

Reinforced Concrete Advances

In the past, many considered the use of concrete as brutal. However, modern architecture realized the
value of reinforced concrete. With this material, architects can create contemporary designs. Also,
you can mold reinforced concrete into almost any shape imaginable. With it, you can create visually-
appealing buildings while being budget-friendly. Once you reinforce it with materials like steel, it
can be erected in ways hard to find in other buildings. You can texturize it with recyclable materials
to add sophistication to it. Recycled glass is one such material. Omitting the use of concrete is next to
impossible.

Aside from materials, this form of art has made itself distinct in other ways. Also, contemporary
architecture takes advantage of curved lines and rounded spaces. These create a visually appealing
structure. It frequently uses these instead of straight lines. This explains why clean lines are
catchphrases of this form. Unambiguous elements of minimalism are often linked to modern
architecture. Contemporary designs also imitate minimalist movements. This means that we still use
classicized models in works of art. They are in both modern and contemporary structures.
The Sense of Sustainability

The present is an era where global warming is a real issue. It is now essential to take specific
measures to ensure nature is not compromised. For this reason, modern architects design buildings
that are energy efficient. This is in part thanks to recycled materials for the construction process. This
needs to include the use of solar panels for roofing purposes. Moreover, the widespread use of
reinforced concrete creates not only innovative ideas. It also enhances aesthetic appeal to most
buildings. These architects hope to achieve this idea. They’d want to do this to ensure that the whole
project is economical. They also want to focus on sustaining the end user’s needs.

Classicized Borrowed Ideas

Modern building techniques borrow ideas from classicized styles. Without those, it would not have
advanced as an art as far as it has. Moreover, most elements rely on ideas from the early to the mid-
20th century. With clean lines and neatness, contemporary architecture demonstrates a free-flowing
form of creativity. Most countries in Europe, Latin America, and Asia, among others, have adopted
this form. It portrays a lot of curvilinear styles to ease movement. It is no wonder that limestone,
glass, and titanium bring out essential elements. These are elements such as natural light, eco-
friendly materials, and creative styles.

Architects dealing in contemporary architecture use computer-aided software. It makes it easier to

Flat and Overhanging Roofs

The old form of roofing was also limited to pitched triangular designs at the top. It is most associated
with American buildings. But the new trend has invited the idea of flat overhanging roofs. This
creates more shade. It does this while protecting your building from unnecessary elements. These
roofs also project architecture into the outdoors, providing cohesiveness. You will have more reasons
to enjoy outdoor spaces. This is thanks to the overhang that presents an awning experience.