Contemporary Architecture

Contemporary architecture is definable broadly as the building style of the present day. Examples do
not necessarily have similar or easily recognizable features, however, because the "style" is really
quite varied and has a number of different influences. Even though a precise definition of the term is
difficult to articulate, contemporary homes typically include an irregular or unusually shaped frame,
an open floor plan, oversized windows, and the use of "green" and repurposed components. Such
homes also often have an organic design, fitting into the surrounding space and meeting an
immediate need in the area.
Prominent contemporary architects include Frank Gehry, who designed the Guggenheim Museum in
Bilbao; John Andrews, who designed the CN Tower in Montreal; and Jean Nouvel, who designed the
Quai Branly Museum in Paris.

Green Architecture
Green building is also a strong component of the contemporary style. Architects place more
emphasis on energy efficiency and use sustainable, natural, and recycled materials to create ecofriendly houses. It's not unusual for builders to thoughtfully integrate these homes into their natural
surroundings. People sometimes refer to this practice as organic architecture.
The connection extends from the outdoor landscape to the indoor environment. Outside, local plants
may be used to decorate the surroundings, or the house may be designed around a prominent
natural feature. Living roofs, in which plants are used as roofing materials to increase energy
efficiency, are also becoming popular. Inside, natural materials like bamboo flooring and granite
countertops are common.
Reusing Materials
Contemporary architecture often seeks to take old buildings and structures and reuse them in
innovative and fresh ways. This might mean a simple redesigning of interior furnishings, or it might
entail extensive renovations that dramatically change the look, layout, or function of the space. For
this reason, the style often ties easily to work by previous architects and designers, especially since
it often uses fairly traditional materials, such as steel and concrete.
Computer Aided Design
Architects and designers often rely heavily on computers as they create their finished product. This
allows professionals to produce results that are incredibly precise, durable, artistic, and efficient.
Computers also play a role in ensuring the designs are safe and preventing injuries during the
construction process. Another major benefit is that they shorten the time it takes to create a
structure.
Need as a Driving Force
Whereas desire for particular aesthetic elements typically drove previous styles, need is the primary
driving element behind contemporary architecture. Increases in population, along with a reduction of
funds and some resources, are forcing communities to explore different means of building and
organizing space. One way of defining the style, therefore, is by identifying the structures or designs
that meet some pressing need in the immediate surrounding area.
The size or use of a given structure by itself does not determine whether an architectural design
accurately can fall under the contemporary classification. Skyscrapers in cities are known for leaning
toward this style, for example, and may cover dozens of floors and a huge amount of space.
Residential homes can also have a contemporary appearance and feel, however. The style appears
in both rural and urban neighborhoods.

Contemporary Chic
A closely related concept is contemporary chic. Better known in relation to personal appearance,
particularly hair, clothing and accessories, this idea relates to things that are fashionable yet still
highly comfortable and functional. Architecture in this style is both useful and artistic enough to set
trends.

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Characteristics:
Roof

One area of contemporary architecture that can draw much attention is

the roof. In today's modern world, flat overhanging roofs are common ways
to add eye-catching design elements, while providing additional shady
regions adjacent to the structure and still protect the overall structure from
the elements. A few bold architects have even gone so far as to add trees to
the top of their buildings to facilitate natural cooling and also to create a
building that is more harmonious with the natural surroundings.

Interior Space

One of the more important features of contemporary-designed homes

is the use of natural light to illuminate the interior of the building. This goal
can be achieved through the presence of skylights on a flat or low-pitched
roof and the prevalence of large glass areas along the exterior walls. To
further distinguish the interior of the building, large continual spaces may be
achieved by the modification or elimination of many interior walls. Exposed
beams, sanded floors and large expanses of lightly colored ceilings (and

walls) are three more characteristics that often add to the airy feeling of
contemporary architecture.

Exterior Materials

In contemporary architecture, exterior walls have sometimes become

experimental canvases for the application of simple natural elements, as well
as newly developed state-of-the-art synthetic materials. In some of these
creations, it is not unusual to see the outside covered with large windows or
plates of glass cut in irregular or unusual shapes. In nearly all situations,
decorative trim and molding has been kept to a minimum and landscaping
may be added as an external design element.

Outdoor Relationships

One area where contemporary designers have excelled is by

thoroughly incorporating their newly created buildings into the existing
landscape. Not only can a new house be accented by the use of local
materials and colorful landscaping, but also the earth can be excavated and
moved to protect the building or create intriguing variations in the terrain.
Besides adding to the visual appearance, these modifications can provide
temperature moderation during particularly hot or cold periods of weather. In
particular, building berms, which are large mounds of earth that rest against
the exterior, can protect low-lying buildings against the extremes of
temperature.

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Difference between modern and contemporary:

Contemporary architecture is any architecture style that is not modern architecture style. This
seems to be a flip answer but an important distinction should be made between contemporary
architecture and modern architecture. Modern architecture, born between the early part of the

20th century and the mid half features clean lines and a focus on form and function. This distinction
makes modern architecture styles seem impersonal and cold.
Contemporary architecture goes beyond the strict form and function of materials used in building.
Contemporary architecture describes those styles that are being implemented today and includes an
integration of materials with their natural habitat. Interior and exterior spaces are design to
incorporate the environment that they are in and make the design a natural extension of nature.

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Contemporary Architecture Design Influences

Contemporary architecture design and contemporary architects are influenced by the modern
architecture movement. The use of clean lines and neat conformity to form and function gave birth to
the more free flowing form of contemporary architecture. Although contemporary and modern
architecture are not one in the same and mean different things, the movement toward a more uniform
perfect form and style has its footprint in much of the contemporary architecture design buildings and
homes that you see.

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