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Recent trends in Architecture The industrial revolution of Europe and America contributed new materials and methods of construction to solve new problems that were also posed by this new phenomenon of industrialization. There was no looking backwards after these technological developments; the man’s dream could come true- “nothing is impossible”. An overarching movement, with its exact definition and scope varying widely is ‘modern architecture’. Early modern architecture began at the turn of the 20th century with efforts to reconcile the principles underlying architectural design with rapid technological advancement and the modernization of society. Common themes of modern architecture include: the notion that "Form follows function", a dictum originally expressed by Frank Lloyd Wright's early mentor Louis Sullivan, meaning that the result of design should derive directly from its purpose simplicity and clarity of forms and elimination of "unnecessary detail" visual expression of structure (as opposed to the hiding of structural elements) the related concept of "Truth to materials", meaning that the true nature or natural appearance of a material ought to be seen rather than concealed or altered to represent something else use of industrially-produced materials; adoption of the machine aesthetic particularly in International Style modernism, a visual emphasis on horizontal and vertical lines It presented a new way of thinking about architecture; it is on fast track of change in present time due to great increase in trying to create ‘identity’ or ‘individualism’. Demand of style accelerated the change. Architecture is the most useful form of art. In past, the purpose of architecture was to create space of comfort, protection and rest. This has now changed due to globalization. Increasing awareness about the global trends in architecture has led to various other aspects of building construction. ‘sustainable architecture’, ‘green architecture’ ’vernacular style’ etc. are the present “environment conscious” schools of thought and parallel to this, the practice of implementation of the ancient ‘canons of architecture like ‘vastu shastra’, ‘feng-shui’, etc. are also in great demand from the affluent clients. This is also propped up by constraints and flexibilities of modern building materials, techniques of construction and availability of land. New trends now also focus on the minimum habitat disruption, more efficient use of energy and land, taking advantage of native landscape, usage of building material which has less impact on environment. Architecture is such type of art that is changing with the passage of time. The concept of “Modernism” in 20th century Indian architectural development remains difficult to grasp, as it was used within numerous stylistic developments, following the spirit of the day. Some exemplary architects in India of the post-Corbusier era have tried their search in identification of an “identity” of Indian architecture through their projects; but most of the buildings designed by these architects, remained largely as a “celebrated projects” of architecture, and could not establish themselves as “iconic” enough to be used as “referents” or “symbols” of modern independent India. Which are why, nearly all metropolitan cities of India still are either identified by their pre-colonial “heritage” structures or colonial edifices. All these lead to a confusion in the ‘style’ or ‘type’ of architecture best suited for modern India and it is still vague to understand what we mean as “modern”. Categorization of the Indian styles of architecture as done by the Europeans and Americans scholars may not be applicable for a country like India. One must acknowledge these diversities and then try to evolve the architecture of the place suitable to the aspirations of the people living therein. Our cities and architecture must necessitate an impetus to redefine the way we tend to live as modern Indians- to define that which is Indian yet global; an architecture that embodies the global Indian. Indian architecture needs to reflect its socio-cultural sensibilities and regional values along with reminding us of times immemorial where architecture of this land has been symbiotic with its environment. Architecture is no longer merely a vocation in India today. It has become an envoy of the society we live in. Buildings are no longer only four walls that provide a roof to their inhabitants. They are perceived as ‘spaces’ that can talk and promote certain lifestyles. Design is viewed as a result of different stimuli, ranging from climatic conditions, urban fabric, local traditions and human activity. The trend of development could be looked under the following ways: these are very suggestive in nature and can vary depending on the ideologies of the individual designer and the client’s requirement and expectations. Derivatives of the modernist box as variations on urban plots of mostly typical size and context. They look beyond the box as a container of programs to investigate it as a geometric or spatial envelope that incorporates spatial drama through interesting planar compositions, profiled openings and precise detail. The curious case of form investigates the spatial effects of form-angular and curvilinear geometries enabled by solid modeling, digital tools and envelope manipulation. These may also be interpreted as ‘houses programmed as containers of personal and architectural fantasies and/or experiments. Engaging landscapes covers projects that engage and manipulate the landscape they are set in, blurring the relationship between figure-ground and built-inbuilt. The program of the house dissolves within the landscape or as in many cases, the landscape becomes the house. Materials matters: looks at projects focused on material concerns-projects experimenting with the material content of the house to derive innovative effects. Re-interpretation: comprises of projects that re-interpret and adapt traditional wisdom, vernacular skills and local resources to resolve or highlight the conflict between nostalgia, sustainability and modernity. The challenges are too demanding at the present and the same is being taken up as an experiment or transformation of already existing or both, and the outcome is very refreshing which serves as an inspiration to others. Reference: www.wikipedia.com, architects news desk, INCITE: +91residence, Modern Architecture of India – in search of identity by Dr. Abir Bandyopadhyay, The architectural research by James Snyder, Modern Architecture in India: post-independence perspective by Surinder Bahga & Yashinder Bahga, JIIA and other architecture related journal and websites.

Recent trends in Architecture

The industrial revolution of Europe and America contributed new materials and methods of construction to solve new problems that were also posed by this new phenomenon of industrialization. There was no looking backwards after these technological developments; the man’s dream could come true- “nothing is impossible”.

An overarching movement, with its exact definition and scope varying widely is ‘modern architecture’. Early modern architecture began at the turn of the 20th century with efforts to reconcile the principles underlying architectural design with rapid technological advancement and the modernization of society.

Common themes of modern architecture include:

the notion that "Form follows function", a dictum originally expressed by Frank Lloyd Wright's early mentor Louis Sullivan, meaning that the result of design should derive directly from its purpose

simplicity and clarity of forms and elimination of "unnecessary detail"
visual expression of structure (as opposed to the hiding of structural elements)
the related concept of "Truth to materials", meaning that the true nature or natural appearance of a material ought to be seen rather than concealed or altered to represent something else
use of industrially-produced materials; adoption of the machine aesthetic
particularly in International Style modernism, a visual emphasis on horizontal and vertical lines

It presented a new way of thinking about architecture; it is on fast track of change in present time due to great increase in trying to create ‘identity’ or ‘individualism’. Demand of style accelerated the change. Architecture is the most useful form of art. In past, the purpose of architecture was to create space of comfort, protection and rest. This has now changed due to globalization.

Increasing awareness about the global trends in architecture has led to various other aspects of building construction. ‘sustainable architecture’, ‘green architecture’ ’vernacular style’ etc. are the present “environment conscious” schools of thought and parallel to this, the practice of implementation of the ancient ‘canons of architecture like ‘vastu shastra’, ‘feng-shui’, etc. are also in great demand from the affluent clients. This is also propped up by constraints and flexibilities of modern building materials, techniques of construction and availability of land. New trends now also focus on the minimum habitat disruption, more efficient use of energy and land, taking advantage of native landscape, usage of building material which has less impact on environment. Architecture is such type of art that is changing with the passage of time.

The concept of “Modernism” in 20th century Indian architectural development remains difficult to grasp, as it was used within numerous stylistic developments, following the spirit of the day. Some exemplary architects in India of the post-Corbusier era have tried their search in identification of an “identity” of Indian architecture through their projects; but most of the buildings designed by these architects, remained largely as a “celebrated projects” of architecture, and could not establish themselves as “iconic” enough to be used as “referents” or “symbols” of modern independent India. Which are why, nearly all metropolitan cities of India still are either identified by their pre-colonial “heritage” structures or colonial edifices.

All these lead to a confusion in the ‘style’ or ‘type’ of architecture best suited for modern India and it is still vague to understand what we mean as “modern”. Categorization of the Indian styles of architecture as done by the Europeans and Americans scholars may not be applicable for a country like India. One must acknowledge these diversities and then try to evolve the architecture of the place suitable to the aspirations of the people living therein.

Our cities and architecture must necessitate an impetus to redefine the way we tend to live as modern Indians- to define that which is Indian yet global; an architecture that embodies the global Indian. Indian architecture needs to reflect its socio-cultural sensibilities and regional values along with reminding us of times immemorial where architecture of this land has been symbiotic with its environment.

Architecture is no longer merely a vocation in India today. It has become an envoy of the society we live in. Buildings are no longer only four walls that provide a roof to their inhabitants. They are perceived as ‘spaces’ that can talk and promote certain lifestyles. Design is viewed as a result of different stimuli, ranging from climatic conditions, urban fabric, local traditions and human activity. The trend of development could be looked under the following ways: these are very suggestive in nature and can vary depending on the ideologies of the individual designer and the client’s requirement and expectations.

Derivatives of the modernist box as variations on urban plots of mostly typical size and context. They look beyond the box as a container of programs to investigate it as a geometric or spatial envelope that incorporates spatial drama through interesting planar compositions, profiled openings and precise detail.

The curious case of form investigates the spatial effects of form-angular and curvilinear geometries enabled by solid modeling, digital tools and envelope manipulation. These may also be interpreted as ‘houses programmed as containers of personal and architectural fantasies and/or experiments.

Engaging landscapes covers projects that engage and manipulate the landscape they are set in, blurring the relationship between figure-ground and built-inbuilt. The program of the house dissolves within the landscape or as in many cases, the landscape becomes the house.

Materials matters: looks at projects focused on material concerns-projects experimenting with the material content of the house to derive innovative effects.

Re-interpretation: comprises of projects that re-interpret and adapt traditional wisdom, vernacular skills and local resources to resolve or highlight the conflict between nostalgia, sustainability and modernity.

The challenges are too demanding at the present and the same is being taken up as an experiment or transformation of already existing or both, and the outcome is very refreshing which serves as an inspiration to others.

Reference: www.wikipedia.com, architects news desk, INCITE: +91residence, Modern Architecture of India – in search of identity by Dr. Abir Bandyopadhyay, The architectural research by James Snyder, Modern Architecture in India: post-independence perspective by Surinder Bahga & Yashinder Bahga, JIIA and other architecture related journal and websites.