Architecture Conquers Three Main Principles

Since the first megaliths were erected to honor the gods of ancient civilizations, buildings have been defined by three overriding principles. Not until Ancient Roman civilization would architect Marcus Vitruvius Pollio actually spell out that all buildings had some components of beauty, function, and durability. As the past has moved into the present, these principles remain true, except the definitions of what is beautiful, functional, and durable have changed. Around the world, there are a number of examples of buildings whose innovation not only expresses these principles but also focus on being sustainable and disaster-resistant.

One concept has defined modern innovative architecture: sustainability. In Los Angeles, The Broad, designed by architects at Diller Scofidio + Renfro, exhibits the use of material that controls light. The 50,000 square foot museum’s exterior is made from porous material that allows visitors to view the works inside free from outside distractions while at the same time attracting pedestrians on the street to the museum by giving them an interesting peek inside through the exterior.

Acting as a two-way veil, the walls control the amount of light that enters. While no direct sunlight enters the museum, the structure absorbs light, redirecting it as needed throughout the space.

Another museum that relies on sustainability is Herzog & de Meuron’s Elbphilmarmonie Hamburg located in Hamburg, Germany. The building reuse project features a former warehouse constructed in 1963. The warehouse forms the foundation, and the upper portion constructed using glass appears more like a spaceship instead of house for musical performances.

Apple Park, which is located in Cupertino, California and designed by Foster + Partners, is considered Apple’s latest crowning achievement in architecture because the boundary between the building and nature converge smoothly. The building incorporates a sustainable energy platform, as part of the ring-shaped structure contains solar panels. It houses a ventilation system within a canopy between floors that allows the building to breathe while protecting employees from the heat. Not a fan of air conditioning, Steve Jobs wanted a ventilation system that would funnel natural air in and out of the building.

Modern architecture has also emphasized the need to build disaster-resistant structures, such as the Shanghai Tower located in Shanghai, China. The building boasts a few superlatives, including being the tallest building in China and second tallest in the world. The building stands 2,073 feet tall and is capable of withstanding typhoon force winds commonly found in the city.

The high seismic activity zone of Washington Island is home to Tsunami House. Created by Designs Northwest Architects, the building uses durable, low maintenance material with exposed concrete columns, galvanized standing seam panels, and aluminum windows. Resistant to earthquake and tsunami activity, its main living space sits several feet above the ground, and its lower level acts as a flood room.

Shigeru Ban’s Cardboard Cathedral was reconstructed after withstanding a 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck New Zealand. In its newer incarnation, the cathedral is made from eight shipping containers which form the walls, a roof made from polycarbonate, and a concrete floor. The cathedral is comprised of 98 paper tubes and rises 24 meters.

Following an earthquake in Thailand, Bangkok-based Vin Varavarn Architects reconstructed the Post-Disaster School, one of 73 schools the earthquake destroyed. Elevated above ground and set in the middle of trees, the steel structure is not entirely enclosed, allowing for the children to learn in a beautiful, natural environment.