Félix Candela. In memorian (1910-1997). From thin concrete shells to the 21st century’s lightweight structures

This style of architecture is something that I have a strong interest in. I love Candela’s use of curves and reinforced concrete, almost creating a shell as a structure. This style of architecture is very pleasing to the eye. You find yourself flowing around the curves, taking in every aspect of the architecture. This piece of text talks about and celebrates the work of Candela. Overall, I think this is a fantastic article as for people that do not understand fully the work of Candela can truly begin to understand the fundamentals that went behind his though process. Curved architecture is also something I haven’t explored greatly within my work at university as generally it is quite complex, however it is definitely something I wish to look into now, especially after knowing a lot more about Candela after reading this piece of text.

Initially the text looks at the International Association of Structural Shells, founded in 1959, which is still and accredited association today. This style of architecture using the shell structure very something very elegant and pleasing to the eye, however structurally, very difficult to produce. It showed many links with Modern Architecture, relating to the work of Mies van der Rohe greatly with the approach of ‘less is more’. The concept of the shell meant that the space did not have to be filled to make it beautiful, it was about the decoration anymore, it was about the architecture itself being the beauty of the building.

The text goes on to speak about how model making was a predominant method in creating the shell structure. I felt like I could strongly relate this to my work as I use model making a lot of the time to get across ideas and concepts. On a previous project also, I used the idea of having an outer shell to create an inflatable space. It was interesting to compare this to the work of Candela. The work of Candela went through some changes over the years in order to make his structures applicable to building regulations at the time. I found it interesting to see how he had to adapt his work and how he managed to keep the same concepts throughout his designs. Over time, his designs became more slender following the work of a structural engineer, Eduardo Torroja, such as the Zarzuela Hippodrome.

After reading this text I can now truly appreciate how much time and thought must go into the shell structure concept and how there is so much technicality behind each design. It’s not just a matter of designing a building, but seeing if structurally it will stand up and meet building requirements. I would now like to use this style of architecture in my work more often, maybe experiment more with curves in the future.

The diversity of timber in Alvar Aalto's architecture: forests, shelter and safety - Teija Isohauta

I was interesting to look into the materials that go into making the building itself. Timber has always been one of my favourite materials in architectural design. I love the natural look of it, especially in modern architecture. I also didn’t know that 78% of Finland is covered by forest. I like the idea that the local architects use the resources that are at hand. Not only is the wood used for housing, but also a use for food and clothes. It was nice to see how resourceful the people of Finland are with their surroundings as the text continues to speak about how many materials can be produced from the forest. It is also clear within this piece of text, the love that Aalto has for natural supplied materials, which is clearly shown within his architecture.

Moving on to classic tradition, the text moves on to speak about the history of Finland’s architecture in the 17^th century most predominately being churches. It was interesting to see the real fundamental influences behind his work and how he had these influences from such a young age. His first few designs included copious amounts of timber, refurbishing old churches and making them beautiful again. I found I could definitely relate to this, not only can there be links made between this and the work I am currently studying at university, as we have been made to come up with plans for refurbished buildings, but it is also an interest of mine outside of the curriculum. With shows such as the ‘Restoration Man’ on channel four, which I have a bit of a passion for, I felt like this was of great interest to me, and also seeing how restorations were done in the past as opposed to the present.

I could compare the idea of organic form, which was a strong influence in Aalto’s work, to the work of Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright similarly used this idea of ‘organic form’ making the architecture sit in with nature without it looking out of place. This is also something I take into great consideration when doing a project, making sure the building itself does not look out of place and that it fits in with its natural surroundings, perhaps even enhancing them. I also like the idea that Aalto uses organic products, timber in this instance. He makes his work not only physically fit in with the surroundings but the aesthetics work within the area.

Overall, I found this an interesting read. It was good to look at an architect from this part of the world, as generally in modern architecture, Scandinavian design is one of my favourite styles. Today, in this part of the world, architecture is so new and upcoming, architects are creating work that breaks the mould and there is also a higher demand for it here than anywhere else.

The Brits who Built the Modern World

The work of all the architects within the show were people that I have always shown an interest in. I am proud to say I am British considering many of the greatest architects in the world today are British and are the pioneers for modern architecture as we know it today. Nicholas Grimshaw, one of my favourite architects and the mind behind one of my favourite projects ‘The Eden Project’ is a prime example of one of our countries greatest architects. His work is like no other in his daring and out of the box approaches which has shaped the architectural world today.

Architecture has changed predominantly over the last 10 years, design has almost gone back to front in the way it is presented with pipes on the exterior and suspended roofs, something which would not have even been thought about in previous years. I’m sure in the future, it will no doubt keep changing, but architecture today is at its absolute peek, not necessarily looking at practicality but beautiful design.

The group of architects whom were born in the 1930’s are said to be ‘the most successful generation of architects Britain has ever produced.’ Foster, Rodgers, Grimshaw and Michael Hopkins were definitely said to be ahead of their time. Producing work that no one had ever seen before, taking post-modernism to a new high.

It is clear, just by looking at their work that they have shaped the future of architecture, being the greatest architects of our time, it is now only a matter of years to see how they have shaped the mind of the younger architects this country is waiting for.