HIGH TECH
Context:
The High Tech movement thrived in the 1970s. The decade both carried over and rejected several aspects
of the 1960s. Word processing video games and the first home computer were introduced, while Apple
and Microsoft made their first appearances during this time. As a result of these events, designers of this
movement created industrial Architectural structures that were influenced by the new style and aesthetic
of technology. High-tech design involved the use of the materials associated with high tech industries, such
as space frames, stainless steel, and metal claddin By these incorporating elements of high tech industry
and technology into building design, the theme is clearly evident and thus links to question.
- Connection:
- Sub themes
RICHARD ROGERS: best known for such pioneering buildings as the Pompidou Centre and The Lloyds
Building.
The Lloyds Building:
- Another leading example of radical bowellism
- Services for buildings were built on the outside to maximise internal space
- Consists of 3 main towers and 3 service towers around central rectangular space
- Large underwriting room on ground floor which is overlooked by galleries
- Modular design, each floor can be altered to suit the function and needs of the building
- 12 glass lifts were the first of their kind in the UK
- Innovative in having its services located on the outside
The Lloyds building can relate to the theme of connection
The Lloyds Building can relate to the theme of The Development Of Materials because it uses reinforced
glass in an innovative way
The Lloyds Building can relate to the theme of Design and Lifestyle because it emphasizes the function of
the building rather than the aesthetic components showing lifestyle was work orientated
The Lloyds Building can relate to the theme of cultural identity- culture focused on work
The Pompidou Centre:
- Massive structural expressionist cast exoskeleton
- Gives it appearance of industrial plant
- Stark contrast to its surroundings
- Priorities included freeing up space on the interior and maximisation of functional movement by
building ducts and conveyance system on exteriors
- Process = bowellism
- Ducts are colour coded to help distinguish which one is for which function (i.e. blue = water
- A massive structural expressionist cast exoskeleton, giving it the appearance of an industrial plant in
stark contrast to the historical buildings surrounding it. Its priorities included maximization of
functional movement and flow, freeing up internal space by building ducts and conveyance
systems, a process known as Bowellism (a modern architectural style described as a transient
architectural and flippant style). The ducts were colour coded so as to help distinguish which duct
was for which function i.e. blue for water, green for fluids, yellow for electricity etc. It was then
perhaps inappropriately inserted itself into an existing space which then in turn has inspired debate
and conversation around the need for this aesthetic as well as its place in the lifestyle of the time.
The Pompidou centre can relate to the theme of connection
The Pompidou Centre can relate to the theme of The Development Of Materials because it uses steel and
solid metal were embraced in an innovative way.
The Pompidou Centre can relate to the theme of Design and Lifestyle because it emphasizes the function
of the building rather than the aesthetic components showing lifestyle was work orientated
The Pompidou Centre can relate to the theme of cultural identity as it reflects the restlessness that was
being felt regarding the dominance of traditional architecture.
Context:
The High Tech movement thrived in the 1970s. The decade both carried over and rejected several aspects
of the 1960s. Word processing video games and the first home computer were introduced, while Apple
and Microsoft made their first appearances during this time. As a result of these events, designers of this
movement created industrial Architectural structures that were influenced by the new style and aesthetic
of technology. High-tech design involved the use of the materials associated with high tech industries, such
as space frames, stainless steel, and metal claddin By these incorporating elements of high tech industry
and technology into building design, the theme is clearly evident and thus links to question.
- Connection:
- Sub themes
RICHARD ROGERS: best known for such pioneering buildings as the Pompidou Centre and The Lloyds
Building.
The Lloyds Building:
- Another leading example of radical bowellism
- Services for buildings were built on the outside to maximise internal space
- Consists of 3 main towers and 3 service towers around central rectangular space
- Large underwriting room on ground floor which is overlooked by galleries
- Modular design, each floor can be altered to suit the function and needs of the building
- 12 glass lifts were the first of their kind in the UK
- Innovative in having its services located on the outside
The Lloyds building can relate to the theme of connection
The Lloyds Building can relate to the theme of The Development Of Materials because it uses reinforced
glass in an innovative way
The Lloyds Building can relate to the theme of Design and Lifestyle because it emphasizes the function of
the building rather than the aesthetic components showing lifestyle was work orientated
The Lloyds Building can relate to the theme of cultural identity- culture focused on work
The Pompidou Centre:
- Massive structural expressionist cast exoskeleton
- Gives it appearance of industrial plant
- Stark contrast to its surroundings
- Priorities included freeing up space on the interior and maximisation of functional movement by
building ducts and conveyance system on exteriors
- Process = bowellism
- Ducts are colour coded to help distinguish which one is for which function (i.e. blue = water
- A massive structural expressionist cast exoskeleton, giving it the appearance of an industrial plant in
stark contrast to the historical buildings surrounding it. Its priorities included maximization of
functional movement and flow, freeing up internal space by building ducts and conveyance
systems, a process known as Bowellism (a modern architectural style described as a transient
architectural and flippant style). The ducts were colour coded so as to help distinguish which duct
was for which function i.e. blue for water, green for fluids, yellow for electricity etc. It was then
perhaps inappropriately inserted itself into an existing space which then in turn has inspired debate
and conversation around the need for this aesthetic as well as its place in the lifestyle of the time.
The Pompidou centre can relate to the theme of connection
The Pompidou Centre can relate to the theme of The Development Of Materials because it uses steel and
solid metal were embraced in an innovative way.
The Pompidou Centre can relate to the theme of Design and Lifestyle because it emphasizes the function
of the building rather than the aesthetic components showing lifestyle was work orientated
The Pompidou Centre can relate to the theme of cultural identity as it reflects the restlessness that was
being felt regarding the dominance of traditional architecture.
