Contemporary Architecture 2008 STI University of Minnesota Bill Waite

Start of Contemporary Architecture  In 1796, Charles Bage created a “fireproof design” of cast iron and brick.  The Crystal Palace by Joseph Paxton  Criticism of contemporary design was common starting in the 1960’s.  Contemporary design is more widely accepted today.

Number of Stories and Materials  Materials typically include a variety of metal, glass, and stone.  Polymers and other “green” materials are being used.  The majority of residential structures are 1 to 3 stories.  Industrial and commercial structures have a wide variety of levels.

Characteristics  An adoption of the machine/industrial aesthetics  Rejection of ornamentation  Long straight lines

Principles of Design  Transition- one material to another (metal to glass)  Unity- repeating shapes and surfaces  Proportion- windows and beams can overpower the scale of other elements  Emphasis and Subordination- focal points can vary from metal columns to large glass walls.

Contemporary Residential  Provide owners the chance to develop unique structures.  Opportunity to incorporate a wide variety of shapes and materials.  Found most commonly on coastal areas, but may be currently found in many regions.

Where This Style is Found, Not Just on the Coasts  - The expansion of the Milwaukee Art Museum Milwaukee Art Museum by Santiago Calatrava. by Santiago Calatrava.  - The current expansion of the Art Institute of of the Art Institute of Chicago, designed by Chicago, designed by Renzo Piano. Renzo Piano.  - The expansion of the Walker Art Center in Walker Art Center in Minneapolis by Herzog Minneapolis by Herzog and de Meuron. and de Meuron.

Contemporary Architect  Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris, who chose to be known as Le Corbusier (October 6, 1887 – August 27, 1965), was a Swiss-born contemporary architect. October August October August  Designed structures that reflected various stages in his life.