Many would say that modern architecture was born in a response to the Industrial Revolution. That an era of mass-produced, cookie-cutter and one-size-fits-all architecture, quickly quenched many a man’s thirst for “more”. Modern architecture says “yes” to new and innovative materials and technology and “no” to historical ideas and ornamentation. It favours function over form and in the South African context, it is a trend that seems to come into its own as each year passes by.
What does modern architecture look like?
If minimalism and the industrial revolution had an eco-friendly baby it would be modern architecture. The use of clean and sleek lines and forms celebrating materials in their natural state like face brick, aluminium, reinforced concrete, metal, and glass with open, free-flowing spaces are generally what you would expect to see in a contemporary building. Furthermore, modern construction also uses innovative and advanced technology as well as sustainable design.
Why does modern architecture make sense in South Africa?
1. It is more environmentally friendly – Making use of local, sustainable, reused, or recycled materials are most definitely kinder to the environment. South Africa in general is taking longer to adopt eco-friendly building practices and energy-efficient solutions but modern architecture helps to highlight this cause and drive it forward.
2. It allows for the flexibility of space – An adaptable building is a smart building. Can we really afford to be stuck in one specific layout forever? No. Modern architecture helps a home adapt to the changing needs of its inhabitants. Post Covid-19, many South Africans are choosing to work from home. A modern home with its open, free-flowing spaces can allow for this.
3. It is ideal for our climate – In our wonderfully hot climate with its varied landscapes nothing beats the open, airy, panoramic layouts of a modern design.
4. It celebrates architecture as an art form – Modern architecture encourages artistic collaborations between artists, artisans, and engineers to construct something new and innovative. South Africa might be a young country in comparison, but our artistic heritage is as diverse and rare as they come.
At Veld Architects we believe South Africans are wonderfully unique and we design homes that speak to every client’s eccentricity. We wholeheartedly believe that happiness and health are tied up in the realisation and appreciation of what makes you, YOU. And we believe that nature has a vital role to play in all of it.
We design for you and for the planet and in doing so our modern homes are unlike what you’d expect to see, and utterly unforgettable as a result.
If you enjoyed this blog, you may also like: The Role of Modern Architecture in South Africa
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Gill
