Aesthetics of Recent Concrete Architecture

Aesthetics of Recent Concrete Architecture

1. Introduction

  • Evaluation of architectural excellence can be approached through several characteristics defined by Vitruvius:
    • Firmness: Related to structural and physical adequacy.
    • Commodity: Pertains to functional adequacy.
    • Delight: The quality that distinguishes architecture from mere construction; it's hard to measure quantitatively.
  • Structure is often viewed as concrete's primary role, leading to negative perceptions regarding its aesthetic quality.
  • Growing trends in architecture are focusing on the aesthetic potential of concrete.
  • Research presented in this paper analyzed contemporary concrete architecture over the last five years, focusing on how concrete can create aesthetic appeal.
  • Aimed to create a database for teaching at Victoria University's School of Architecture.

2. Primer on Aesthetics

  • Aesthetics involves the study of beauty from two angles:
    • Creation of beauty: Understanding conditions that must be met for beauty to exist.
    • Judging beauty: Establishing criteria for evaluating beauty.
  • Aristotle: Beauty arises from order and adequate dimensions.
  • Pier Luigi Nervi's Philosophy: Beauty in architecture comes from the material's truth and the structures’ authenticity.
  • Three sources of delight:
    • Sensual: Perception through the senses leads to personal and uncontrollable reactions.
    • Intellectual: Understanding design challenges and craftsmanship fosters greater appreciation.
    • Moral: Judging the correctness of solutions contributes to aesthetic pleasure.
  • Effective use of contrast in design can enhance aesthetic appeal.

3. Basis of the Study

  • The research aimed at establishing a database of exemplary concrete architecture through literature reviews of architectural journals and books.
  • A total of four categories were identified for evaluating concrete architecture's aesthetics:
    • Architectural Form and Space: Concrete offers flexibility in form and function, creating captivating spaces.
    • Structure: Focus on innovative structural solutions appealing in simplicity and rationality.
    • Detailing and Craft: High-quality craftsmanship and innovative detailing enhance aesthetic experiences.
    • Surface Finish: Unique textures and colors contribute significantly to a building's aesthetic appeal.

4. Findings and Discussion

  • From over 10,000 reviewed buildings, 52 were selected for exemplary use of exposed concrete.
  • Distribution of areas of excellence in the database:
    • Architectural Form and Space: 62% (32 buildings)
    • Structure: 44% (23 buildings)
    • Detailing and Craft: 23% (12 buildings)
    • Surface Finish: 27% (14 buildings)
  • Notable buildings exhibit benefits of curvilinear forms, and carefully introduced natural light.
  • Structural forms significantly contribute to aesthetic delight, particularly those designed by notable architects like Santiago Calatrava.
  • Several exemplary projects showcase high quality of construction and innovative surface finishes, linking materials effectively and enhancing aesthetics.

5. Conclusions

  • The study emphasizes the combined importance of Vitruvian principles in architectural design.
  • Maximizing aesthetic delight involves understanding design processes, material qualities, and innovation.
  • Concrete's potential for creating beautiful architecture is increasingly recognized, moving beyond negative perceptions caused by poor past examples.
  • Evaluating concrete architecture highlights the significant use of form, structural innovation, craftsmanship, and surface finishes in achieving aesthetic beauty.