CRITICAL REGIONALISM
CRITICAL REGIONALISM
o Critical regionalism is an approach to
architecture that strives to counter the
placelessness and lack of identity of the
International Style, but also rejects the
whimsical individualism and ornamentation
of Postmodern architecture.
o Critical regionalism is not simply regionalism
in the sense of vernacular architecture. It is
a progressive approach to design that
seeks to mediate between the global and
the local languages of architecture.
CRITICAL REGIONALISM
o PAUL RICOUR: "How to be modern and to continue
o The term critical regionalism was first used the tradition, how to revive an old dormant
by Alexander Tzonis and Liane Lefaivre and civilization as part of universal civilization?“
later more famously by Kenneth Frampton.
o Frampton in his essay argues that it is "critical to
o In the 1980‘s a few architects and theorists adopt" universal values of modernism, taking into
were disappointed with the direction that account the geographical context of the building.
architecture was taking under the influence
of postmodernism. o Frampton does not want to refer directly to "folklore",
but to the climate, light, topography, and "local
o Rather than unveiling the historicity of style tectonic form", which should be understood as
in their designs, postmodern architects historical and geographical conditions of the
became another avant garde (New and construction industry.
experimental ideas) that produced designs
that mimicked classical style. o In this perspective, critical regionalism should be
treated as a "reformed modernism".
CRITICAL REGIONALISM
ARCHITECTS: GEOFFREY BAWA:
o Highly personal in his approach, evoking the pleasures of the senses that
GEOFFREY BAWA go hand in hand with the climate, landscape, and culture of ancient
Ceylon(present day sri lanka)
MARIO BOTTA
JORN UTZON o Brings together an appreciation of the western humanist tradition in
ALVAR ALTO architecture with needs and lifestyles of his own work
TADAO ANDO
CHARLES CORREA o The principal force behind tropical modernism - His ideas are providing a
bridge between the past and the future.
o fused vernacular architecture with the modern concepts to satiate the
needs of the urban population.
CRITICAL REGIONALISM
RUHUNU UNIVERSITY, MATARA, GEOFFREY BAWA:
o Bawa‘s design deployed over fifty separate
pavilions linked by a system of covered loggias.
o used a limited vocabulary of forms and materials
borrowed from the porto-sinhalese building
traditions of the late medieval period
o but it exploited the changing topography of the site
to create an ever varying sequence of courts and
verandahs, vistas and closures.
o Buildings were planned orthogonally on a north-
south grid but were allowed to 'run with site'.
o Natural features such as rocky outcrops were
incorporated into the bases of buildings or became
focal features of the open spaces.
STRUCTURALISM
STRUCTURALISM Important Ideas:
Systemic Thinking: Seeing a building as an
interconnected system of elements, structuralism
o Developed in the mid-20th century as a reaction encourages architects to take a systemic approach. The
to the functionalist approaches that dominated reductionist inclinations of earlier architectural movements
design, structuralism in architecture introduced a are challenged by this holistic viewpoint, which
paradigm shift that focused on the underlying encourages designers to think about the entire structure
systems, patterns, and relationships shaping built rather than concentrating only on individual components.
environments.
Semiotics in Architecture: Structuralism in architecture
o The fundamental tenet of structuralism in emphasizes the symbolic meaning of architectural
architecture is that a building‘s form and elements, taking its cues from semiotics, the study of signs
meaning are determined by its underlying and symbols. Creating a language of forms and spaces
structure. that conveys meaning beyond practicality is the goal of
architects in order to provide a deeper, more meaningful
o This represents a paradigm shift in architectural architectural experience.
theory because it deviates from conventional
design thinking, which frequently gives aesthetics Functionalism and Beyond: Although structuralism goes
or utility independent priority. beyond mere utility, functionalism had previously
dominated architectural thought. It looks for the hidden
o Understanding a building‘s innate systems and structures that influence a building‘s form and function,
relationships is the goal of structuralism, which understanding that these structures frequently go beyond
emphasizes the interconnectedness of its many the space‘s immediate functional requirements.
parts.
STRUCTURALISM
Important Persons:
Claude Levi-Strauss: French anthropologist Claude
Levi-Strauss played a key role in the development of
structuralism by introducing the idea of structural
anthropology. His theories about the fundamental
patterns of cultural phenomena inspired architects to
investigate the secret hierarchy of architectural form.
Roland Barthes: By highlighting the significance of
signs and symbols in communication, French literary
theorist Roland Barthes made a significant contribution
to structuralism. Architects now have a theoretical
framework to comprehend the symbolic language
ingrained in architectural forms thanks to his semiotics
research.
Kimbell art museum façade- Louis Khan and Renzo Piano
Louis Kahn: Although not overtly a structuralist, Louis
Kahn‗s architectural designs are in line with structuralist
ideals. Kahn‘s focus on the intrinsic order and poetics of
structure in his buildings is consistent with the larger
structuralist movement.
DECONSTRUCTIVISM
DECONSTRUCTIVISM
Characteristics:
o Development of post modern architecture
o Explodes architectural form into loose collections
that began in the 1950s
of related fragments.
o It is influenced by the theory of
o Destroys the dominance of the right angle and
"Deconstruction", which is a form of
the cube by using the diagonal line.
semiotic analysis.
o Uses ideas and images from Russian Revolutionary
o It is characterized by fragmentation, an
architecture and design
interest in manipulating a structure’s surface
or skin, non
o Provokes shock, uncertainty, unease, disquiet,
rectilinear shapes which appear to distort
disruption, distortion by challenging familiar ideas
and dislocate elements of architecture,
about space, order and regularity in the
such as structure and envelope.
environment.
o The finished visual appearance of buildings
o Rejects the idea of the `perfect form' for a
that exhibit deconstructivist "styles" is
particular activity and rejects the familiar
characterized by unpredictability and
relationship between certain forms and certain
controlled chaos.
activities
DECONSTRUCTIVISM
Deconstructivist philosophy FRANK O GEHRY
o It was influenced by the formal o Canadian American Architect, based In Los
experimentation and geometric Angeles, California.
imbalances of Russian constructivism.
o Frank Gehry did very unique and challenging works
o There are additional references in in his life .
deconstructivist to 20th-century
movements: the o Mainly worked in Deconstructivism and Hi-tech
modernism/postmodernism, Architecture.
expressionism, cubism , minimalism and
contemporary Art o He is a legendry architect because of his style of
design and different philosophy.
Architects: o Most of his projects are based on
o Frank O Gehry deconstructivism, for eg: Walt Disney Concert Hall,
o Zaha Hadid Dancing House In Prague.
o Bernard Tschumi
o Peter Eisenmen
DECONSTRUCTIVISM WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL, FRANK O GEHRY
o In a cost-saving move, the originally
designed stone exterior was e replaced
with a less costly metal skin
o Most of the building's exterior was designed
with stainless steel given a matte finish.
o The founders room and children's
amphitheater were designed with highly
polished mirror-like panels.
o The reflective qualities of the surface were
amplified by the concave sections of the
founders room walls.
o There was also the increased risk of traffic
accidents due to blinding sunlight reflected
from the polished surfaces.
DECONSTRUCTIVISM
DANCING HOUSE, PRAGUE, FRANK O GEHRY
o The style called deconstructivism
architecture due to its unusual shape.
o The ―dancing‖ shape is supported by 99
concrete panels, each a different c shape
and dimension.
o On the top of the building is a large twisted
structure of metal nicknamed medusa.
o Also, the winding moldings on the facade
make it a more confusing perspective,
diminishing the contrast with the buildings
that surround it.
DECONSTRUCTIVISM
ZAHA HADID MAXXI, ROME- ZAHA HADID
o Iraqi-born British architect o The museum became the joint home of MAXXI
Arts and MAXXI Architecture and Italy‘s first
o Using light volumes, sharp, angular forms, national museum solely dedicated to
the play of light and the integration of the contemporary arts.
buildings with the landscape.
o The building is a composition of bending
o Integrated into the architectural designs oblong tubes, overlapping, intersecting and
using spiral forms. piling over each other, resembling a piece of
massive transport infrastructure
o She is an architect known worldwide for
her talent in various disciplines such as o It acts as a tie between the geometrical
painting, graphic arts, three-dimensional elements already present.
models and computer.
o The building absorbs the landscape structures,
dynamizes them and gives them back to the
urban environment
DECONSTRUCTIVISM
MAXXI, ROME- ZAHA HADID
o Two principle architectural elements characterize
the project: the concrete walls that define the
exhibition galleries and determine the
interweaving of volumes; and the transparent roof
that modulates natural light.
o The roofing system complies with the highest
standards required for museums and is composed
of integrated frames and louvers with devices for
filtering sunlight and artificial light.
o The fluid and sinuous shapes, the variety and
interweaving of spaces and the modulated use of
natural light lead to a spatial and functional
framework of great complexity, offering
constantly changing and unexpected views from
within the building and outdoor spaces.
DECONSTRUCTIVISM
OLYMPICS AQUATIC CENTRE- ZAHA HADID
o The Olympic Aquatics centre, was
constructed in London in the year of
2005.
o has a spectacular, sinuous S- shaped roof
inspired by the flow of water, that is
certain to make it a London landmark.
PARAMETRICISM
PARAMETRICISM [Link]
RoKlg
o Parametricism is a style of architecture that One of the earliest examples- upside down
addresses architectural design, interior design, model of churches by Antonio Gaudi. Eg:
urban design, and furniture design. It has a Colonia Goel and Sangrada Familia.
strong impact on product design and fashion
design too. He created a model with strings, that were
hanged down by weight to create complex
o Parametricism means that all design elements vaulted ceilings and catenary arches.
become parametrically variable and mutually
adaptive. By adjusting the position of weights, he could
alter the shape of catenary arches and see
o Parametricism provides a workable set of
how it influenced the whole model.
constituents that can be easily manipulated,
which can lead to an infinite number of
He then placed mirror to see how it looked
variations.
upside down.
PARAMETRICISM
PARAMETRICISM The digitization of these experiments became
available when Yvone Sutherland found
Sketchpad in 1963.
o First person to use the term parametric
architecture was Luigi Moretti.
The first interactive computer aided design
program where designers could use a light
o His stadium model was an early example of
pen to draw lines, arcs and geometries.
how a buildings form can be derived from 19
parameters.
Later AutoCad was released which played a
significant role in the design industry.
o Around the same time, Gaudi‘s method of
Parametric features were added in 2010
computing were enlarged by German
version of AutoCad.
Architect Frei Otto.
1988- Pro Engineer
o It included surfaces derived from soap films
and paths found through wool dipped in liquid.
Revit- first commonly used software for
parametric architecture.
o Otto calls these experiments form finding.
Other softwares: Dynamo, Grasshopper
PARAMETRICISM
Architects:
Frank Gehry
Zaha Hadid
Santiago Calatrava
The “Fish” or Peix Olímpic by Frank Gehry in Barcelona, Spain
PARAMETRICISM
The Galaxy SOHO Mall in Beijing, China- Zaha Hadid Louvre Abu Dabi- Jean Nouvel
CAD/CAM AND OTHER DIGITAL
TECHNOLOGIES AND THEIR EVOLUTION IN
ARCHITECTURE
WHAT IS CAM/ CAD?
o CAD stands for ‗computer-aided design‘ and AutoCAD Training Courses: The Birth of
CAM stands for ‗computer-aided manufacturing‘. AutoCAD
CAM preceded CAD by some years. o Autodesk‘s AutoCAD was a big step
forward when it came out in the late
o CAM is based on Computer Numerical Control 1970s.
(CNC) where pre-programmed computer
software dictates the movement of factory tools o AutoCAD became very popular quickly
and machinery. because of the simplicity with which it was
used alongside how well it allowed users
o CAD is the software used to create electronic files to draw.
for print, machining and other manufacturing
operations. o This was the start of formal AutoCAD
training classes, which engineers and
o CAD arrival increased the productivity of architects needed to take to get the most
designers and improved the quality of design out of the software.
amongst other benefits.
CAM/ CAD
The development of 3D modeling:
o Even though 2D drafting is still a part of
o When professionals started using AutoCAD, it the design process, the advent of 3D
changed how they made technical drawings. modeling capabilities has drastically
changed the CAD landscape.
o It helped them work faster, make changes more
quickly, and keep a higher level of accuracy. o Autodesk made AutoCAD, which also
made Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD
o As AutoCAD became an essential tool for design 3D.
and engineering professionals, more and more
people wanted to learn how to use it. o These programs let engineers and
architects make three-dimensional
models of their designs.
o This change from 2D to 3D not only made
it easier to view designs but also made
them more accurate.
CAM/ CAD AI-Powered Engineering design:
o AI could change how designs are made by
automating repetitive tasks, improving designs,
BIM Software: and giving designers valuable insights.
o BIM software, such as Revit, was a big step
forward in the development of CAD. o Artificial intelligence algorithms can analyse vast
amounts of information and provide useful
o It changed how engineering and design feedback as a result.
architecture projects were planned,
designed, and built. o This helps engineers and architects make better
decisions. For example, generative design tools
o With Building Information Modelling (BIM), that AI powers can try out many designs based
professionals could make intelligent 3D on specific criteria, leading to more efficient
models that include information about every and sustainable solutions.
part of a building or infrastructure project.
o AI could be added to CAD software like
o This information included specifications, AutoCAD and Revit to make the design process
materials, and even estimates of costs. even more efficient.
o AI can help professionals with tasks like site
analysis, optimizing structures, and analyzing
how well they use energy.
CAM/ CAD
The Future of CAD:
o As AI improves, CAD software becomes more intelligent and easier to use.
o AI will take care of routine design work and offer insights based on data so professionals can
focus on higher-level tasks.
o Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are also likely to play essential roles in the
future of CAD. With these technologies, designers and engineers can fully immerse
themselves in their projects. This will make viewing and evaluating designs in the real world
more accessible.
o Also, the idea of ―smart cities‖ and green design will become more popular.
o CAD software will have to change to keep up with these trends and give people the tools
they need to build infrastructure that is good for the environment and uses the latest
technology.
EVOLUTION OF NEW TYPOLOGIES SUCH AS
MALLS, RESORTS, IT PARKS. ATRIUM
CONCEPT IN ARCHITECTURE
SHOPPING MALLS
o The shopping mall concept was first introduced to the
world by Victor Gruen when he launched South Dale
Center in 1956, an 800,000-square feet fully-enclosed
shopping complex in Minnesota.
o Since then, the popularity of shopping malls has rapidly
grown all over the world.
o Historically, shopping malls were considered a place
where people could come together to shop, eat,
interact, and have fun.
o In the earlier days, malls had atrium ceilings to provide a
sense of outside, a traditional food court, and car
parking.
o Most shopping malls were in the suburbs and had low
accessibility and transportation options.
SHOPPING MALLS
o Over the years, shopping mall developers shifted the
focus and purpose of malls from traditional shopping
plazas to new and enhanced shopping experiences,
including exciting food courts, digitally native brands,
and ultra-modern entertainment options.
o This led to the development of Giant megamalls in the
1980s. The West Edmonton Mall in Canada was opened
in 1981 with state-of-the-art facilities like an amusement
park, hotel, miniature golf course, zoo, lake, water park
for surfing and sunbathing, church, and many more.
o The first mall in India was launched by Ansal‘s Plaza,
Delhi, in 1999, followed by Crossroads and Spencer
Plaza.
RESORTS
o The origin of resorts can be traced back to the second o The popularity of spas and resorts in England is a
century B.C. to the public baths of Rome. result of King Charles II visiting trendy hot spots in the
1600s.
o The first baths were small, modest and separated the
genders. o At the time, travel was not simple. People who
travelled to resorts stayed for long periods of time –
o Eventually, the baths became larger, more elaborate up to two months to get the best value for their
and were opened to both men and women. Baths travel expenses
were much like resorts of today because of all the
amenities offered at their location. o Many English spas are unique because they have
gambling and dancing.
o The first noteworthy resort area was developed in
Belgium in 1326 in a town now called Spa. o Spas also became popular because of the medical
benefits that were attributed to them such as waters
that were rich in certain minerals and could cure
ailments.
o The Swiss resort industry was developed in the 1800s
to aid the need of private resort facilities for more
prosperous people.
o Hotel Baur au Lac, built in Zurich, was the first resort
to utilize the value of a scenic view.
IT PARKS o Science parks may also offer a number of shared
resources, such as incubators, programs and
collaboration activities, uninterruptible power
o The world's first university research park, Stanford supply, telecommunications hubs, reception
Research Park was launched in 1951 as a cooperative and security, management
venture between Stanford University and the City of offices, bank offices, convention center, parking,
Palo Alto. and internal transportation.
o Another early university research park was Research
o Science parks may be designed to enhance the
Triangle Park in North Carolina, which was launched in
quality of life of the workers. For example, they
1959.
might be built with sports facilities, restaurants,
pleasant outdoor areas.
o Science parks are elements of the infrastructure of the
global "knowledge economy".
o Apart from tenants, science parks create jobs for
the local community.
o They provide concentration that foster innovation,
development and commercialization of technology,
where governments, universities and private
companies may collaborate.
o The developers work in fields such as information
technology, pharmaceuticals, science and engineerin
g.
ATRIUM CONCEPT
o In ancient Roman times, the atrium was the central
open area of a house, but today the term atrium is
typically associated with commercial and public
buildings including offices, health care
facilities, libraries, hotels, courthouses, educational
facilities, etc.
o The atrium space type usually includes glazed
courtyard spaces and multistoried spaces.
o Atria are typically used as key architectural feature in
main entries, public circulation areas or as special
destinations within a building.
o Atrium design often involves skylights and generous
glazing areas that provide an infusion of natural light
which make them prominent building areas well suited
to serve ceremonial and social functions