Senin, 23 Juli 2012

The Works of a Responsible Architect


Architects held the key to materialize the thoughts of men in the older days. Take a look at the pyramids of Egypt. The precision required to build something so magnificent was present even in the older days. This might give you an example of what can architects of today materialize for you. Architecture is not just a building to remain forever. It is preservation of the culture and art of a certain era. For example the Taj Mahal connects a person living today to the Mughal Empire.

As far construction of commercial buildings is concerned, the goal of every one is to have the tallest one built. This might not seem to be that much of a challenge but there are many things which an architect needs to look after. For example, the wind factor, strength of the materials used in construction and etc. apart from those, technical errors arise as the construction proceeds. The wind factor is quite dangerous. If the designs are not made properly then the wind would simply blow away the top of the building. You might not know this but winds in high altitudes are blowing at quite some miles per hour. The design of the building should be such that it cuts the air, no matter from which portion does it blow. The materials used in construction, is another problem to be solved by the architects. Using the stronger and long lasting material is not always the best option during construction. For instance, the masonry used for building old buildings would not be suitable. Reason behind this is simple; the weight of the walls would become too great if the building was too high. These are just few of the problems which architects overcome while constructing a building.

Constructing a structure like a bridge is even more complicated. One of the most ingenious designs was to use huge cables to support the weight of the bridge by poles. At first this idea looked as full proof, even the strongest of thunderstorms did not move such a bridge. However, light pouring of rain caused the bridges to become unstable. It was the architects who were called in to inspect the situation. The architects explained that water drops from light pouring do not flow away. They stay on these cables hence unbalancing the deck of the bridge. The answer to this problem was also presented by architects. Spiral linings were added on the cables which caused the water drops to flow down, hence maintaining the balance of the bridge. There are many examples of the simply remarkable contributions of architects to the development of the world.
Architecture is a field which knows no bounds. The market for the requirement of architects would always remain lucrative. Reason behind this is simple; man tends to utilize every single inch of land present. When the area gets congested, then the existing buildings are rebuilt. To have a good looking building, one needs to hire an architect. Thanks to CAD and other programs, architects are also aided, hence making their work easier and much more creative. There are many courses related to CAD, all of them cover a specific portion. Basically CAD is known to produce 3 dimensional images on a 2 dimensional screen. It is not like the movies, but you get to view all the three dimensions, length, width and height of the structure in a screen. This allows easier modification for the architects as well.

Just take a look at the Burj Dubai, Taipei, Freedom Tower, Shanghai world finance center and other buildings. You would get the idea that how sky high has the field of architecture reached.

Senin, 09 Juli 2012

New trends in architecture


Architecture is on fast track of change in present time due to the great increase in land values.  Demand of style accelerated the change.  Space creation with aesthetic value is going to be limited with the passage of time. Architecture is the most useful form of art. Great changes in the field of architecture revolutionized due to various technological advances. Creativity in architecture is in danger due to commercialism. In past, the purpose of architecture was to create space of comfort, protection and rest. This has now changed due to globalization. Architects are taking designs and visions of past and then recreating these in new from which are more comfortable.

Owing to the fact that people are getting richer due to more income now-a-days, various urban products are booming up in the market. In homes kitchen and bathroom architecture created revolution in the market. Healthy designs provide the occupants with more daylight, making the environment healthier and more comfortable. New architectural trends are focusing on the enhancement of air ventilation. New trends now also focus on the minimum habitat disruption, more efficient use of energy and land, take advantage of native landscaping to ensure a look style, usage of building material which has less impact on environment. Depending upon the demands, indoor pools, fitness areas, garages all are provided in new architectural styles.
Along with buildings and houses, new trends in school architecture have become popular now-a-days. Along with classrooms architects place, other places such as gym, central courtyards, art departments, parking facility below the courtyard creates an open feelings. Use of natural light in effective way is also a good trend in architecture. In new architectural styles, use of glass with appropriate glazes in buildings is also increasing in order to use energy more efficiently. Use of solar energy in buildings will reduce load on other energy sources.

Computer aided designs drafts in the form of CAD or CADD are used now a days. This new technology is very helpful to create three dimensional designs.  With the new softwares the world of architecture has completely changed compared to the past. HSB turning Torso, Weismen Art Museum, Shanghai world financial centre, Transamerica Pyramid, Valencia opera house, Torre Marenostrum and many more are examples of modern architecture
Now a day, many clients and builders are focusing on the maximum utilization of natural resources due to increase in energy costs. The main objectives of new trends are how to effectively use solar energy in modern houses and buildings and the aesthetic beauty. Real essence of architecture is not only designing a building but it should include its surrounding environment. Architecture has a power to change the lifestyle of people. Huge massive structures with aesthetic sense have impacts on individual’s life.
Today green living and green for future generations are popular terms. Green designs started from 1920s by an architect named Rudolf Schindler. Regional climate and environmental sensitivity are the key objectives of this new trend. Schindler’s designs were based on elements like concrete and wood. Fluidity of outer environment in to interior of building was the main target of this trend. Many modern architects are using this trend. Currently green architecture is a new revolution which is focusing on utilization of space, site, and energy more efficiently. Reduction of wastes and protection of environment are new visions. Protection of occupants’ health is the main focus of new designs. Due to the trend of green architecture, there is now reduced use of chemicals which have adverse effects on human health, minimizing environmental hazards. Also waste materials are less toxic to the environment. Architecture is such type of art that is changing with the passage of time.