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Characteristics of Contemporary Architecture

Contemporary architecture is characterized by experimentation with new and unconventional materials, a divergence from straight lines in favor of curved forms and volumes, and an emphasis on environmental sustainability and harmony with nature. It tends to use materials like metal, concrete, wood and glass in inventive ways. Windows are larger and more abundant, and floor plans are open with minimal interior walls to maximize light. Roofs are often flat or overhanging to expand indoor and outdoor spaces. The goal is to create animated, bright interiors that seamlessly integrate structures with their natural settings.

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Novie Viernes
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161 views4 pages

Characteristics of Contemporary Architecture

Contemporary architecture is characterized by experimentation with new and unconventional materials, a divergence from straight lines in favor of curved forms and volumes, and an emphasis on environmental sustainability and harmony with nature. It tends to use materials like metal, concrete, wood and glass in inventive ways. Windows are larger and more abundant, and floor plans are open with minimal interior walls to maximize light. Roofs are often flat or overhanging to expand indoor and outdoor spaces. The goal is to create animated, bright interiors that seamlessly integrate structures with their natural settings.

Uploaded by

Novie Viernes
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Characteristics of Contemporary Architecture

Unconventional Materials
The soul of contemporary architecture is transformation, newness, and novelty. This
doesn’t mean novelty as in pure whimsy, although there’s undoubtedly room for whimsy in
it. The novel, in this case, means a willingness to experiment with the new, to try things that
haven’t been tried before in terms of materials, form, space, and experience. It typically
promotes the use of unconventional building materials or the use industrial materials in a
household space.
Contemporary architecture is, by nature, unexpected and inventive. This inclination to
relinquish the norm drives this style more than any specific visual trait, and one of the main
techniques it bucks tradition is by amalgamating unique materials into the construction.
It tends to use a variety of other natural or organic materials, such as metal, concrete,
wood, brick, and stone. Nowadays, many of these materials are sustainable, too.

Form
All we need to do is to look around to see that the commanding line in architecture is
the straight line. Contemporary architecture tends to distance itself from this practice by
choosing more often for curved lines, instead. In some cases, a building is completely
designed around curved lines. In other cases, both curved and straight lines are incorporated
in the same building.
The use of curved lines, rounded edges, and a divergence from the dominance of the
straight line characterize this architecture. Pristine lines and minimalism are watchwords of
it. 

Composition of Volumes
The use of curved lines also makes it possible to design spaces that are not simply
cubes, as is the case with straight lines. So, in this architecture, one sees buildings with
rounded spaces. When it does make use of straight lines, meaning that the unit of volume is a
cube, it strives to assemble these cubes in surprising ways to create a unique composition of
volumes. 
Windows
Larger and more bountiful windows are also a characteristic of this architecture.
Multiple openings and their unusual positioning, panoramic windows, window walls, and
skylights have all entered the playing field. One of the outcomes of this kind of fenestration,
beyond creating spectacular views, is that it makes full use of the sunlight: first of all, like
natural lighting, and secondly, to take advantage of passive solar heating. If you are fond of
natural light or love spectacular views, this architecture is for you. 

Environmental Considerations
Eco-housing is a characteristic that isn’t restricted. Many conventional buildings
inculcate sustainable elements, or, at the very least, energy efficiency. But in this architecture,
these elements are required. The use of photovoltaic cells, geothermal heating, heat pumps,
heat exchangers, and thermal collectors is considered, to produce heat in new ways and
conserve it. In the field of residential projects, for example, the aim is to integrate the home
perfectly into its natural surroundings. The purpose is not only to protect the surroundings
from disturbance but to turn them into one of the architectural elements that give the home its
own, unique character. If environmental responsibility and the reduction of greenhouse
gasses are among your top concerns, then it will suit you because it allows you to build a
home that far exceeds present environmental standards.

Animated Architecture
Animated architecture is the terminology given to the next characteristic that exists in
several forms: sophisticated exterior building lighting, projections on facades that are often
capable of interacting with passers-by or the users of the building, and water, which has
recurred in the form of fountains of every type, waterfalls, and jets of water that may even be
colored. The concept is to make the building feel more alive and to make its outer areas more
animated.

Bright, Open Interiors


Thanks to the preference for large glass windows and skylights, contemporary homes
often boast an abundance of natural light. Similarly, they utilize an open floor plan, with
minimal—or the total elimination of—many interior walls. Combine these two elements and
you get a bright, comfortable, completely relaxing home.
Further, open floor plans are great for homeowners who love entertaining and want the
kitchen to flow freely into the living and/or family room. They also add a sense of uniformity
between rooms. 

Flat Roofs
Flat, often overhanging roofs are another key feature in contemporary architecture.
This may seem like a visual choice but it also serves a specific purpose.
Overhanging roofs provide additional shade while simultaneously protecting your space from
the elements. On top of that, these roofs expand the architecture into the outdoors, thus
creating a more cohesive design—as well as a more enjoyable outdoor space.

Geometric Simplicity
Californian contemporary homes often showcase a gleaming, clean aesthetic free
from fussy exterior details. Unique materials can be used, as discussed above, but there is
little else in the way of decorative trim or molding. Simplicity becomes the rule, which helps
design a tranquil and luxurious atmosphere.
But don’t be fooled—it’s not all simple lines. Curved facades are common, too, and
help break up any geometric monotony.
Harmony with Nature
Though we’ve already touched upon this point, it’s worth reiterating: contemporary
architecture frequently revolves on the desire to create harmony between structure and nature.
The foremost use of large glass walls allows boundaries between indoors and outdoors to
blur, while overhanging roofs bring the architecture into the outdoor realm. Additionally,
contemporary spaces are often designed with landscaping already in mind. By considering
decks, balconies and terraces from the get-go, contemporary spaces further emphasize the
enjoyment of stunning natural surroundings.

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