An Essay on Style
By Alex Sabo*
Building styles are primarily determined by context. Since buildings should harmonize with their surroundings, the question of style is already determined for most places. For new developments, architects can express a new style. A 21st century style should represent modern sensibilities, adjusted to climate and customs, with the following characteristics:
Simple materials: Materials can be natural or synthetic as long they are simple. Brick veneers should wrap around the building to look more solid. Mixing materials should have some utilitarian or ornamental purpose.
Romanesque forms: Simple forms that are easy to site, easy to modify, and easy to harmonize. Minimize any unnecessary breaks in the geometry, which adds to cost and visual confusion.
Artistic colors: Colors can be neutral or vibrant depending on the context, but not dull.
Native plants: Plants add beauty to the building, and they connect the building to the place. Plants should be native, and easy to maintain.
Large windows: Window size and shape can vary as long as it balances the composition, and it's pleasant from the interior.
Recognizable elements: Buildings should be recognizable according to common elements such as windows, doors, walls, and chimneys. There should be distinction between the elements.
*PTG 355, Syracuse University, Fall 2013
Examples
About
"New Modernism" began as an assignment to collect and categorize images of modern buildings. I searched for contemporary buildings that look natural--not too minimalist, not too quirky, and not too cookie-cutter. The result was a collection of modern examples of adapted buildings.
The photos are not mine unless otherwise noted.