Architecture is not just about constructing buildings, it is about shaping the world of the living and marking their existence. Amidst the set standard rules of architecture, the forms of buildings have taken a new way of expressing themselves and setting high standards. Architecture is on the road to evolution while embracing sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility and playing an important role in defining human subsistence. With innovations and technology, structures and buildings are rejuvenating the architectural world and reshaping the architectural trends. Let us look into some of the buildings that have redefined and reshaped the future of the living environment:
9 Chapel St, Brooklyn, New York, USA
A structure or a building does not define its uniqueness with its form alone, the functionality of the space also characterises it, the seamless connection between inside and outside, and easy communication. The SO-IL Architectural firm of the USA has envisioned a new way of experiencing high-rise buildings that eradicate the dark hallways and allow the user to connect with the outdoors uniquely. The planning of the structure allows every unit to act as an individual bungalow having the privileges of exterior spaces (front yard) as a part of their living areas. Additionally, it allows users to have panoramic views with the angular orientations of the units. With no rigid shape, the facade and fenestrations assist in visualising the building differently as one moves around it along with the visibility of the living and redefining the way a high-rise building is perceived.
The twist, Kistefos Museum, Norway
Amalgamating the characteristics of a bridge, a gallery, and a sculpture together forms the Twist. Situated in Norway, floating above the Randselva with a span of 60m, the building is a testimony to the future architectural era. The 1000 square metre structure is designed by the famous Bjarke Ingels Group. The structure’s design is a play of straight rigid lines subtly rotating around an axis, forming an illusion of being curvy and fluid while merging with the context. The Twist connects the two separated sections of Kistefos Sculpture Park and showcases high-class international art. The existence of this pleasing structure questions the present architecture but also redefines and inspires the trends in the architectural lifestyle.
Domino Sugar Refinery: Rejuvenated
Creating a landmark within a beacon, the Domino sugar refinery on the Brooklyn shoreline has been brought to life after the pandemic of 2020. The old heritage of New York which focused on refining the taste sweetness of humans has changed its functionality with its inventive redesign in the year 2023. The redevelopment of the Sugar refinery while keeping the structure intact echoes the integrated approach of combining residential, commercial, and retail within an urban structure. This initiative features a distinct architectural style that blends with the context. The transformation and merging of the old brick structure to the contemporary vibrant mixed-used retail building has brought about the characteristics of adaptive reuse and preservation of old heritage sites in the architectural world. Additionally, with the consideration of sustainability, structural revitalization has encouraged future architects and redefined architectural trends.
Ithra, Saudi Arabia
Promoting cultural interdependence, Ithra i.e. the King Abdulaziz Center of Saudi Arabia redefines the articulation of the past, present, and future. The concept of expressing the pebble composition in a structure is a great example of inspiration from the living and the non-living. The centre encompasses three different entities with a bridge that connects all. Library, Auditorium, and the great hall effortlessly rest with the keystone suspended in the air acting as a bridge holding them together. Each entity is designed uniquely and merges with the semi-arid landscape in the surroundings. The idea of suspension, solidarity, connectivity, and individuality in a structure is an architectural achievement while shaping the world distinctly.
Richard Gilder Center at The American Museum of Natural History
The world of living focuses on being a part of nature and having a lifestyle around it. The Richard Gilder Centre in New York emphasises keeping a strong relationship with nature with the consideration of functional and aesthetic aspects. The characteristics of fluid architectural character interconnected spaces that boldly express a biophilic design with sustainability and a sense of harmony. Amidst the traditional ideologies of building a museum, this structure creates a user-centric design with spatial organisation that redefines the conventional layouts and helps to make it more accommodating and adaptable. Constructed using shotcrete with the rib cage structural design in the interior enhances the building’s merit and increases the desire of the visitors to experience it.
In conclusion, Architecture and its evolution are playing an important role in enhancing society for the betterment of the living. With the power to address the social issues of affordable housing and community empowerment, the architectural community assists in designing inclusive spaces that focus on buildings with equitable and resilient community spaces. Furthermore, technological innovation encourages pushing the boundaries of design and creativity beyond the standard limit while accommodating the essential qualities of sustainability and individuality and redefining a better world.
Reference List
Mafi, N. (2019). These 13 Buildings Redefined Architecture in the past 5 Years. [online] Architectural Digest. Available at: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/buildings-redefined-architecture-past-5-years.
fast company (2023). The buildings that redefined architecture this year. [online] Fast Company. Available at: https://www.fastcompany.com/91000533/the-buildings-that-pushed-architecture-forward-in-2023 [Accessed 10 May 2024].
Archello. (n.d.). American Museum of Natural History, Gilder Center | Studio Gang. [online] Available at: https://archello.com/it/project/american-museum-of-natural-history-gilder-center [Accessed 11 May 2024].
so-il.org. (n.d.). SO – IL | 9 Chapel St. [online] Available at: http://so-il.org/projects/9-chapel [Accessed 11 May 2024].
www.kistefos-museum.no. (n.d.). The Twist. [online] Available at: https://www-kistefosmuseum-no.translate.goog/kunst/the-twist?_x_tr_sl=no&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc [Accessed 11 May 2024].
www.snohetta.com. (n.d.). King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture (Ithra). [online] Available at: https://www.snohetta.com/projects/king-abdulaziz-centre-for-world-culture-ithra.
www.therefineryatdomino.com. (n.d.). The Refinery at Domino | Williamsburg Office Spaces for Rent. [online] Available at: https://www.therefineryatdomino.com/.
Image List:
Image 1:
Wp.com. (2024). Available at: https://i0.wp.com/www.constructingarchitect.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/01.png?resize=1024%2C1024&ssl=1 [Accessed 11 May 2024].
Image 2:
So-il.org. (2024). Available at: http://so-il.org/content/1-projects/16-9-chapel/tankhouse_exterior_terraces-1 [Accessed 11 May 2024].
Image 3:
Erco.com. (2024). Available at: https://www.erco.com/images/the-twist-kistefos-museum-norway-7130/eur-erco-the-twist-kistefos-museum-norway-intro-4-10 [Accessed 11 May 2024].
Image 4:
Feverup.com. (2024). Available at: https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/secretnyc.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/26154309/Domino-Sugar-Factory-Comparison-1024×683 [Accessed 11 May 2024].
Image 5:
Luxuryproperties.ir. (2024). Available at: https://luxuryproperties.ir/uploads/images/images/Blog/Architectural%20Designs/King%20Abdulaziz%20Center%20for%20World%20Culture%2C%20Saudi%20Arabia/1KingAbdulaziz [Accessed 11 May 2024].
Image 6:
World Architecture.org. (2023). Available at: https://worldarchitecture.org/cdnimgfiles/extuploadc/wac_19_gilder_center_at_dusk_iwan_ba [Accessed 11 May 2024].
