What Are The Main Features Of Modern Buildings?

Buildings are just not what they used to be. 21st century architecture has been criticized for many things, but most of the reasons have pointed towards the fact that modern designs don’t come close to replicating iconic buildings such as the Taj Mahal and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

While this is a typical case of people not being able to appreciate what they have, the evolution of technology and the materials used within the construction industry means that we need to face the fact that we’re probably never going to see buildings like that ever again. Of course, all of the iconic structures that stand today have generally been there for hundreds of years, so unless we discover the secret to eternal life, things that have been around for 10 or 20 years today won’t be historic until we’re all long gone.

What makes modern construction what it is?

High in the Sky

While modern life and the increasing population of Earth means we have to make more of the space we’ve got, designers know that creating more space in the same place is the best way to be effective.

As a result, today’s buildings are reaching higher into the sky than ever before. Of course, this doesn’t just happen for practical reasons, as contractors love the publicity of having the tallest building, whether that be in a city, country, continent, or the world. This then causes competition and the next biggest building to be created, and the cycle continues.

We need to make the most of the space we have, and building upwards is universally accepted as the best way to do this.

Going Green

Modern buildings are designed and built to meet the demands of modern life, and being eco-friendly is certainly one of those. Buildings can be green and sustainable in a number of ways. Some are designed to be completely self-sustaining, where all waste is recycled on site and energy stored in generators instead of using power from the grid.

Others might have ETFE panels as part of the main construction, or combine green materials as well as practices like those outlined above.

Simple Buildings

Looking throughout history it is easy to find buildings that are ostentatious and lead you to question exactly why they were built in such a way. Sometimes, the only logical answer is, “for the sake of it.”

We see none of that in today’s architecture. While buildings are still popping up everywhere with great features that stick long in the memory, there is nothing about the majority of modern buildings that is there just to look good. Everything has a purpose and a reason for belonging. While this has led some to accuse architecture of losing its soul, it has helped to create a more cost effective attitude towards construction, and buildings that are welcoming and functional whether for residential or commercial purposes.

The Reality of Modern Buildings

The world in which we live today dictates that modern buildings need to fit into at least the three categories we’ve explored. While different businesses and landowners will have varying objectives, the reality is that simplicity and sustainability are the biggest factors driving construction. Skyscrapers and other high-rise buildings will be built when they need to be, but it is important that they continue to meet the more important objectives, rather than simply being tall because they look better.

Featured images:

• License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://officeimg.vo.msecnd.net/en-us/images/MB900386055.jpg
• License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://officeimg.vo.msecnd.net/en-us/images/MB900386068.jpg

Teo Alvin is a town planner and architect who works with various groups to design new buildings and come up with innovative new ideas. Teo is passionate about green building and sustainability, and is intrigued by how far humanity will be able to go in terms of becoming fully self-sustainable.