Technology in the process of contemporary architectonic conception: An analysis of three works by Norman Foster

Abstract

The paper presents the different forms of the manifestation of technology both in the process of architectonic conception and in contemporary architecture. Initially, it discusses the fragmentation of the present architectonic production in order to show the different emphases given to the aspects that are intrinsic to the architectonic project, such as the program, technique and place, as well as to the aspect that is external to the design, viz. the one related to the organization of the composition’s parts, i.e. the formal structure. Subsequently, it discusses the complexity of the passage from the moment of the theoretical conception to the moment of decision, using Mahfuz (1995) as a bibliographical reference. Thus it characterizes the complexity of choice and the emphasis given to the elements of architecture. The third and last part of the paper presents the different emphases given to the role of technology in architecture in general. The first dimension presented is the functional one, which can be representative and discrete, being defined by the use and choice of architectonic elements as parts that turn the building into something concrete, without valuing technology as the main element in the composition. The second dimension is the representative one, which values the architectonic elements of structure, solar protection systems and roof as parts that have more weight in the composition. To illustrate the different technological dimensions present in architecture, the paper discusses some projects by Norman Foster, illustrating the process of conception and discussing the way technology is present in his work.

Keywords: architectonic conception, technology, project.