[Posted March 17th, 2015 by Christy Serafini]
Modern architecture is perhaps a reaction to the over-busy world that people seem to live in these days. The stylistic fundamentals of modern architecture involve simplicity and cleanliness in design, thus holding true to the age-old adage that form follows function. Gone are the days of overly elaborate plaster work; clean, simple, and functional design, like metal panel systems, are here to stay. Within the simple and clean, however, there’s a wealth of variety when it comes to buildings and there’s something for nearly all tastes.
Modern architects seek to highlight the actual structure of the building, rather than hide it underneath intricate ornaments of antiquated styles and therefore showcase many materials including wood, metal panel systems, and glass. Incorporating environmental elements and low-impact construction have also become hallmarks as people strive to create greener buildings that can stand the test of time. Here are just a few of the spectacular architectural feats of recent times:
Skyfarm by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners and Arup Associates
Skyfarm, just like the name implies, is meant to be a vertical farm that utilizes the tensegrity principle, intertwining a number of elements, like bamboo, to create a geometrically flexible and open structure that allows maximum light for plant growth.
Yalikavak Marina Complex by EAA-Emre Arolat Architects
While many shopping centers end up looking alike, the Yalikavak complex located on the southwestern coast of Turkey is a beautiful extension of the already existing marine complex.
Singapore Sports Hub by Singapore Sports Hub Design Team
Singapore, a hotspot for excellent modern architecture, proves itself again with this amazing integrated sports, leisure, entertainment, and lifestyle destination, the first of its kind in Asia.
Son La Restaurant by Vo Trong Nghia
Vietnam is making big strides in affordable and eco-friendly projects, especially with designs like this restaurant that uses local resources to their fullest. Built from different materials from bamboo to stonework, it’s striking in appearance and is resistant to the monsoon climate.
La Ascension del Senor Church by AGi Architects
Churches, the darling of architecture for centuries, continue to inspire with buildings like the one that was based on Pope Francis and built with the hope of regenerating community.
National Arboretum Canberra, Australia by Taylor Cullity Lethlean and Tonkin Zulaikha Greer
The collections of trees in Canberra are lucky enough to be housed in this futuristic and avant-garde style building that almost seems like an amusement park.
The Carve by A-Lab
This unique housing project falls right in line with the environmental theme of modern architecture and is part of Oslo’s Barcode Plan which guarantees regulated green areas.
Mercat Encants by b720 Fermín Vázquez Arquitectos
A rejection of the multiple floored commercial centers, this design in Barcelona, Spain sets out to give people the experience of a pedestrian road with a continuous commercial area that creates a loop of endless shops.
The Village by Sanjay Puri Architects
Offering an innovative solution to modern day housing, The Village is a series of apartments that have the air of solo houses tucked into a sloping terrain designed for minimal environmental impact during construction.
Linkoping Central Station by Sweco Central Architects
Sweden came up with this gorgeous modern transportation center with a classic railroad twist. It comes complete with a watery mirror, contemporary viaduct, and perforated steel shell.
BIO
Founded in 1988 in Texas, Wade Architectural Systems has been involved in more than 2500 projects throughout the U.S., particularly in Texas. The company offers service in the areas of design and detail assistance, educational presentations, detailed engineering drawings, calculations and test reports.