An assignment on

The design principles and characteristics of

Contemporary Architecture of South Asian Region.
Course title: Topics in Contemporary Architecture
Course no.: Arch 3131

Submitted To: Submitted by:

Gouri Shankar Roy Shovon Kumar Biswas
Associate Professor Roll: 190152
Architecture Discipline 3rd Year, Term- I
Khulna University Architecture Discipline
Khulna Khulna University

Submission Date: 5 April, 2022

Contemporary architecture refers to the design, landscaping, and architectural features being
used in the 21st century. It cuts away from the modern architecture of the late twentieth
century by including eco-friendly features and embracing all kinds of creativity, all the latest
innovations, new trends, as well as thoughtful improvements and changes to architectural
features from prior eras.
The architectural characteristics which are seen in South Asian region at the contemporary
period are:
• Combination of styles
• Use of both angles and curves
• Free-form of composition
• Elements of asymmetry is seen
• Open floor plans
• Large glass windows
• Mixed and raw materials
• Emphasis on nature, natural light and openness

In South Asian region contemporary architects work in several different styles

from postmodernism; high-tech architecture and new interpretations of traditional
architecture to highly conceptual forms and designs, resembling sculpture on an enormous
scale. Contemporary architects have also a sense for sustainability.

The design principles and architectural characteristics are found in South Asian Region are:

• The use of curved lines, rounded spaces and a divergence from the dominance of the
straight line characterize contemporary architecture.
• Aside from materials, the actual form of contemporary architecture has made itself
distinct.

• Clean lines, open spaces and a lack of fuss and ornament are the hallmarks of
contemporary architecture.
• Large windows and lots of them are characteristic of contemporary architecture. As
classic architecture mostly positioned windows in the center of walls and used them to
look outside, the contemporary architect uses large panels of glass to create
opportunities for natural light, passive solar heating and the feel of openness even in
the cold months.
• Clerestory windows, skylights and large windows higher than the head offer light and
a feeling of openness to the outside world, which increases a connection with nature.
• Shapes that evoke the natural world and that aren't exclusively functional are
characteristics of contemporary architecture.
• Open floor plans and a loft-like setup to large spaces, both commercial and domestic,
are other examples of the style.
Some notable contemporary 21st century architects include Frank Gehry, Jean Nouvel,
Tadao Ando, Shigeru Ban, Santiago Calatrava and the late Zaha Hadid. In South Asian
region Charles Correa, Tadao Ando, Raj Rewal, BV Doshi, Shib Nath Prasad and
some other architects contributed. In their work, the reflection of contemporary
architecture is seen.

Examples of some Contemporary Architecture in South Asian Region:

Lotus Temple, India

The Lotus Temple is a structural
engineering marvel and one of the
most frequented biomimicry
examples all over the world.

Central Institute of
Educational Technology
New Delhi, 1986

Pearl Academy of
Fashion
Morphogenesis,

Jaipur, India

Naga Towers
Gandhinagar, India

Reference:

• https://www.harthomesflorida.com/what-are-common-contemporary-architecture-
characteristics/
• https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/rtf-fresh-perspectives/a1626-15-famous-
buildings-from-south-asian-countries/