Speaker
Description
Since the revolution in production through industrialization that began in the 18th century, standardized and rationalized production principles have been applied to architecture. Efforts to build more efficient, high-quality, and affordable buildings were continuously attempted in response to the post-industrial social situation. As urbanization and industrialization intensified, architecture became increasingly focused on matters of function rather than form. Decorative aspects of architecture were severely limited and non-functional elements were minimized or eliminated. This formal simplification of architecture made the building process more rational and efficient, which paved the way for mass production through the standardization of buildings.
These processes are represented by prefabrication, modular systems, rationalization, mechanization and on-site assembly, which are summarized in the concept of the "industrialization of architecture". "Industrialization (of building) is a process which, by means of technological developments, organizational concepts and methods, and capital investment, tends to increase productivity and to upgrade performance.(1972)", defined by Swiss architect and author Carlo Testa. The concepts of "productivity" and "performance" of the finished building, which are not often used in conventional architecture, make it clearer that the main value of architecture is "economy".
The Christal Palace in London, England, designed by Joseph Paxton in 1851 for an international exhibition, is considered the beginning of industrialized architecture. The massive 92,000 square meter (9 hectare) space was built in about 16 weeks using prefabricated construction materials. Not only did the standardization and mass production of construction elements and the optimization of the construction process maximize the productivity and efficiency of construction, but the previously unimaginable large interior space set new standards for the form and function of later buildings. Subsequently, the First and Second World Wars and the urgent need for housing and infrastructure construction accelerated this trend. These trends have been incorporated into modern architecture in various forms, rationalized and optimized to a higher level. The industrialization of architecture is an ongoing process, not just a past event.
But what are its characteristics and how has it affected the fundamental elements of architecture (function, form, structure, etc.)? What are the differences between pre-industrial and post-industrial architecture and how do various architects/theorists evaluate them? What are the problems caused by the industrialization of architecture and how should they be overcome?
This presentation will explore the historical process of the industrialization of architecture and its implications for 20th century architecture through examples.
References
Testa, Carlo: The Industrialization of Building, 1972 Zürich.
Sikora, Bernd: Industriearchitektur in Sachsen im europäischen Kontext, 2021 Halle.
Scheiffele, Walter: Bauhaus Junkers Sozialdemokratie, 2003 Berlin.
| Keywords | Architecture, Industrialization, Pre-fabrication, Modular, Rationalization |
|---|
