META- Architecture

1) Introduction

META is a movement for meta-architecture that tries to convey its vision on architecture through
building.
META stands for renewed interest in the building process, interest for architecture itself.
META wants to make architecture that rises above the ordinary, from real practical issues without
theoretical waste of time.
META loves difficult clients with high demands and a clear vision.
META doesn’t think aimlessly and time consuming; neither does it rush its actions.
META negotiates.

We live in an open time. Everything can be done or has already been done.
There are barely any cultures left and completely no more styles.
Modern and classical are vague concepts.
Architecture has lost its way.
It is either dried up functionalism the thinks form follows function, or it is pompous formalism that
thinks form determines function.
Above, over and behind this architecture stands Meta-architecture.
The META-architecture reflects on architecture, through doing architecture, through building.
It talks about designing in the design.
Theory and practice, design and criticism, thinking and doing coincide.

2)  While one word defines a type of architecture that’s highly progressive, modern, high tech and
expressive; the other deals with traditional, simple, and practical techniques, the simplest form
of addressing human needs. While contemporary architecture is of the 21st century, using
advanced materials and spread across a global scale, the vernacular is a style that has been
existing since the beginning of time, makes use of local materials, and varies from region to
region.
Traditional architecture takes into account the styles that were popular to a region or area. The
characteristics of traditional architecture used by architects and builders includes a commitment
to maintaining a link to the past styles of building, reuse of materials or designing homes and
building to stay consistent with the overall building design of the area. This creates a sense of
continuity and connection to the past, which helps the area maintains its traditional look and
feel for the residents of the community.

3) newer materials
3) Cooling bricks
4) Self-healing concrete. ...
5) Translucent wood. ...
 6) Power-generating glass.
7) Concrete
8) Wood
9) Steel
10) Plastic
11) Stones
12) Textiles
13) Glass
14) Brick

Older principles used

1. Symmetry
2. Radial symmetry
3. Balance
4. Hierarchy
5. Emphases
6. Use of huge stones
7. Limestone
8. Interlocking system
9. Carvings

4) Articulation of the building character through details will remain a primary motive of the studio.
Although drawn from the traditional principles, the nature of the buildings remains current. An
architectural vocabulary could be built by extending the exercise to service design, furniture design and
façade development.

Articulation of the building character through details will remain a primary motive of the studio.
Although drawn from the traditional principles, the nature of the buildings remains current.

An architectural vocabulary could be built by extending the exercise to service design, furniture design
and façade development.

An architectural vocabulary could be built by extending the exercise to service design, furniture design
and façade development.

The Program will utilize both active and passive energy efficient methods in its climatic design.
Popo Pingle

The city of Auroville represents humanity as a whole, a town providing perpetual education, calm and
constant progress, and a youth that is driven by Divine Consciousness.

The Mother imagined the city to become a bridge between the future and the past, a barren plateau,
filled with opportunities for material and spiritual research that would eventually spring towards
imminent realizations.

This particular imagery has been steadily led and manifested by many pioneer architects, like Roger
Anger, Piero & Gloria, and Poppo Pingel. 

An urban experiment – the city, is an undertaking to the philosophy of “Evolution of Consciousness.”The

Mother envisaged Auroville as a society that would deal with the economy, sociology, culture, and
environment while gaining a spiritual connotation to their lives.

Every aspect of existence, be it the knowledge of inner peace or the difficulties of judgment that people
go through in diverse fields is dealt with an optimistic and distinctive approach here.

Aga Khan Architecture

Aga Khan Architects works to impact architecture and human habitats in a number of ways. 

It works directly on projects that improve housing, particularly design and construction, but also village
planning, natural hazard mitigation, environmental sanitation, water supplies and other issues that
affect living conditions. 

It undertakes urban regeneration projects that include the restoration of historic structures, the
creation and rehabilitation of public spaces, parks and gardens, and supports community-based planning
and upgrading projects that spur social, economic and cultural development.
Roger Anger houses

Roger Anger’s House is one of the primary houses in Auromodele, a settlement on the outskirts
of Auroville. Constructed in situ using ferrocement, the double-curved form of the roof pushed the limits
of designing with the flexible material.

The Earth berms encircling the house give an impression of continuity and make the structure look like it
is rising from the ground itself. These berms form the soul of the structure.