The development of architecture

The blog summarizes some of the ideas on the development of architecture, discussed in class.

It lays emphasis on the influence of industrialization.

The idea of mass-production and prefabricated elements gained an important impact on nowadays architecture. 

Industrialized architecture

Toronto Dominion Centre, Mies van der Rohe

The idea of simplicity and industrialized architecture has developed during the time from modern to contemporary architecture.

Le Corbusier summarizes in his manifesto “Towards a new Architecture” principles of modern architecture to create mass- production. He underlines the importance of simplicity and standards.

“ We must aim at the fixing of standards in order to face the problem of perfection.” (Le Corbusier, Towards a new architecture, 1923)

He saw the answer to that problem in mass- production

“A great epoch has begun.

There exists a new spirit”

The continuity of industrialization is evident comparing the Toronto Dominion Centre (1967-1991) designed by Mies van der Rohe to the way we build today.

The expressive typography made by Anton Kolas illustrates the importance of prefabricated elements regarding the three components steel, glass and concrete.

State University New Paltz, ikon. 5 Architec

The winter garden of the State University at New Paltz designed by ikon.5 Architects is a relating example built of steel and glass. It combines new environmental strategies such as radiant heating and cooling, recyclable materials etc. 






Mass- production nowadays developed to mass- customization. We are able to design color and shape and make architecture more individual. 

The Seattle Public Library is a glass and steel building in downtown Seattle, Washington made by Rem Koolhaas and Joshua Prince- Ramus of OMA/LMN. It ́s shape is designed according to the building ́s required functions.