Strukturalism - architectural style definition

Structuralism is an architectural style that refers to the idea of building structures on the basis of structure rather than form. Its creators focused on the structure and spatial arrangement of buildings rather than their external appearance or decorative elements. Structuralism was a response to the changes in the world after the Second World War, when people were looking for new solutions and ways of living.

The main idea of the structuralist style was to allow people to move freely in space, and to take their needs and expectations into account. Architects focused on the functionality of buildings and their purpose rather than their appearance. The result was buildings with a simple form, but with large glazing and spacious interiors.

Structuralism is also characterised by the use of modern building materials such as concrete, glass and steel. This made it possible to create lightweight structures with a high load-bearing capacity, which made it possible to build high-rise or high-rise buildings.

The spatial layout of buildings was also important in structuralism, which was to be as functional and ergonomic as possible. The architects sought to create spaces that were people-friendly, as well as easily accessible and communicative. In this way, they succeeded in creating buildings that were both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

Structuralism is one of the trends in architecture that originated from modernism and emerged in the second half of the 20th century. It encompasses an approach to design in which architecture is understood as a complex system of structures and organisation, with form resulting from a logical and rational analysis of these structures.

Precursors

Auguste Perret: French architect considered one of the pioneers of structuralism. His works, such as the Notre-Dame du Raincy church (1922-1923), are characterised by the use of reinforced concrete as the main structural material and the exposure of structures as aesthetic elements.

Le Corbusier: Swiss-French architect and theorist, known for introducing the concept of the 'house as a machine for living'. His buildings, such as the Villa Savoye (1929-1931) or the Unité d'Habitation in Marseille (1947-1952), exemplify the use of simple and geometric forms, a balanced structural and functional layout and the use of concrete.

Most popular buildings

Centre Pompidou - Paris, France: designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, completed in 1977. It is characterised by exposed external structural elements, such as piping, stairs and lifts, which give the building a unique appearance.

HSBC Tower - Hong Kong, China: Designed by the architectural firm Foster and Partners and completed in 1985. This building is one of the best-known examples of structuralism in high-rise architecture. Its design is based on the use of steel trusses and the exposure of structures.

IIT McCormick Tribune Campus Center - Chicago, United States: Designed by Rem Koolhaas and the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) and completed in 2003. This building is notable for its eccentric form, in which structures and installations are exposed to the outside.

Heydar Aliyev Center - Baku, Azerbaijan: A project by Zaha Hadid Architects, opened in 2012. This dynamic building with flowing lines and rounded forms is an example of modern structuralism.

These buildings represent a variety of approaches to structuralism in architecture and showcase the use of structures as a major aesthetic and structural element.