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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Contextuality in Architecture: From Theory to Practice AR-401(m): Studio MA1 (Gay and Menzel)

Delves into the evolution of contextual architecture and its key concepts.

Complementary architecture

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.

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