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Complementary architecture

Complementary architecture is a movement in contemporary architecture promoting architectural . Indispensable features of complementary architecture include sustainability, altruism, contextualism, endemism and continuity of specific regional design language. Complementary architecture occurs at the intersection of local pattern and design languages. A pattern language represents a set of more or less formalised rules of human interaction with built forms, resulting from practical solutions developed over time according to local culture and natural conditions. A design language in architecture is a set of geometrical (formal) and material standards used in buildings and other man-made structures, traditionally arising from local materials and their physical properties. Complementary architecture interprets the Vitruvian triad for contemporary use, mapping durability (firmitas) against aspects of broader sustainability, utility (utilitas) against altruism and service to society, and individual beauty (venustas) against harmony with broader context, regional identity and spirit of place. Historically, building environments were produced in a continuous, evolutionary fashion rather than as singular revolutionary events. Complementary architecture involves systematic analysis of traditional techniques in the context of vibrant urban environments, aiming to rediscover sustainable, layered, nuanced, contextual and environmentally appropriate solutions for the present time. Practically all traditional vernacular and formal architecture produced prior to the 20th century is complementary architecture due to inherent material and cultural constraints, as are many works inspired by some contemporary movements such as contextual architecture, indigenous architecture, organic architecture or new urbanism. Complementary architecture methodology is especially useful where contemporary development penetrates compact historical urban fabric. Complementary design pays respect to its architectural context while carefully introducing contemporary design elements.

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AR-310: Art and architecture
La structure du cours suivra une orientation chronologique. Le cours s'articulera en leçons qui reconstruiront historiquement les diverses œuvres et théories développées au cours des XXe et XXIe siècl
Related lectures (1)
Contextuality in Architecture: From Theory to Practice
Delves into the evolution of contextual architecture and its key concepts.
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The design themes focus on the renovation, reuse and re-utilization of old and valuable buildings, now in disuse, and the rethinking of public places to be integrated into the urban context, now partly in ruins and without an active identity to enhance the ...
2015

Historicist aesthetics of architectural image: Mimesis and memorial in public space

Sila Karatas

Turkey has been facing an aesthetic revivalism of Ottoman and Anatolian Seljuk architecture within public space, a phenomenon which is having been observed not only in the construction of new public buildings but also the renovation of historical housing d ...
2013

Natural and Urban, Green and Grey? Studies on specificities of contemporary urban architecture.

Inès Lamunière, Jean-Paul Jaccaud

Content The Manhattan Case Study: Interviews The Urban Block: Projects ...
GSD Harvard & EPFL2009
Related concepts (6)
New Classical architecture
New Classical architecture, New Classicism or Contemporary Classical architecture is a contemporary movement in architecture that continues the practice of Classical architecture. It is sometimes considered the modern continuation of Neoclassical architecture, even though other styles might be cited as well, such as Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance or even non-Western styles – often referenced and recreated from a postmodern perspective as opposed to being strict revival styles.
Critical regionalism
Critical regionalism is an approach to architecture that strives to counter the placelessness and lack of identity of the International Style, but also rejects the whimsical individualism and ornamentation of Postmodern architecture. The stylings of critical regionalism seek to provide an architecture rooted in the modern tradition, but tied to geographical and cultural context. Critical regionalism is not simply regionalism in the sense of vernacular architecture.
Architecture
Architecture is the art and technique of designing and building, as distinguished from the skills associated with construction. It is both the process and the product of sketching, conceiving, planning, designing, and constructing buildings or other structures. The term comes ; ; . Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural symbols and as works of art. Historical civilizations are often identified with their surviving architectural achievements.
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