Contemporary cities and architecture are constantly evolving. The 1980s unleashed a period of creativity with the opposing approaches to architecture of deconstructivism and minimalism. Conceptual architecture also entered the field – perhaps inspired by the formal and conceptual art or the postmodern search for meaning and identity. The common use of computers and digital techniques…
Category: Architecture
The challenges of modern cities
The challenges of modern cities manifested once they were built. The ideas of the Modern Movement were mostly applied in Europe and the Americas after WW2 when new infrastructure, housing, offices and public spaces were built. The Cold War unleashed a competition between the east and west. Governments were more powerful and dictated the direction of evolution of…
The CIAM Group and Urbanism
The CIAM group (International Congress for Modern Architecture), formed in 1928, had a big role in the development of modern cities. Many of its members saw architecture and urbanism as the tools that combined with politics and economy were able to produce the enormous social change that was needed. Some of its leaders were Le…
Le Corbusier and the Modern Cities
The Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier moved to Paris in 1917 and lived in it for the rest of his life. He developed many projects for the city which was the subject of his experimentation. Most importantly, like no other modern architect, he created a vision for the future of cities and was able to build…
The Legacy of the Modern Movement for our Architecture and Cities
Modern Life and the Urban Revolution Every generation has redefined the spaces in which they want to live due to the changing circumstances of life. During the industrial revolution, modern architecture and urban planning emerged out of the need to provide new shelter to host the growing urban society and cater to their life, work and recreation. As a result ofthe changing economy, millions of people…
The Dematerialization of Space in the Beirut Terraces Contemporary Architecture
The Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron from Basel designed the Beirut Terraces tower in 2013, which was developed by Benchmark in Lebanon. The building is also called the Vertical Village as it has a variety of 132 different apartments in simplexes, duplexes, and penthouses, all situated in the 116m high tower. Each residence has generous…
UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 by Santiago Calatrava
The UAE pavilion, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is inspired by a falcon in flight. It combines engineering, architecture and art. Expo 2020 in Dubai The Universal Expositions (Expos) are a global opportunity for innovation. They are held every 5 years with occasional special expos happening in between. The expos aim to transform people by inspiring them and introducing them…
Terra the Sustainability Pavilion at Expo 2020 by Grimshaw
The sustainability pavilion, designed by the British firm Grimshaw, is one of the greatest design at the Expo 2020 in Dubai. Expo 2020 in Dubai The Universal Expositions (Expos) are a global opportunity for innovation. They are held every 5 years with occasional special expos happening in between. The expos aim to transform people by inspiring them and introducing…
Alif the Mobility Pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020 by Foster + Partners
Alif, the mobility pavilion, was designed by Foster + Partners. It is the one that best exemplifies the motto “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”. Dubai Expo 2020: Alif the Mobility Pavilion The Universal Expositions (Expos) are a global opportunity for innovation. They are held every 5 years with occasional special expos happening in between. The expos aim to transform…
Al Wasl Plaza at Expo 2020 by Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill
Al Wasl is a plaza covered by a 130m wide by 67m tall dome-shaped trellis. It is the intersection of all the roads at the Expo 2020 in Dubai. Expo 2020 in Dubai The Universal Expositions (Expos) are a global opportunity for innovation. They are held every 5 years with occasional special expos happening in between. The expos aim…