The word contemporary refers to something that is “belonging to or occurring in the present”, hence contemporary architecture means the architectural design, landscaping, and urban planning applied right now in the 21st century. This definition is an abstract one—the defining characteristics of contemporary architecture change every day as the defining characteristics of the present time advance rapidly, especially in a world that is ruled by technology.

In the past that was not too long ago, contemporary architecture was perhaps the architects’ revolution to break free from the uniforms of pre-World Wars architectural styles. They worked their way through manifesting a new definition for architecture in an industrial world—they wanted it to be “Practical, Light, Ephemeral, Swift” other than “Heavy, Monumental, Static”.

However, in our modern-day, contemporary architecture is more about function than form—architecture should be inviting, open, transparent, and smart: the architectural experience is more intangible now, which makes sense given the virtuality we are living in. You can visit your favorite architectural landmarks sitting on your couch!

Contemporary buildings can basically look like anything—there is no dominant style or a checklist of standards. The only common characteristic in contemporary buildings is their integration of today’s technologies. Our world is now being driven by big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning; and buildings are imitating this. Architecture is -fortunately- being affected by the digitalization process.

These hot technologies driving our world are changing the face of contemporary architecture in an undeniable way, keep reading to know how!

5 Ways Technology is Transforming Contemporary Architecture and 5 Remarkable Examples

• Parametric Design

What is Parametric Design?

According to Autodesk, parametric design centers on free-form architectural concepts: sweeping lines, curves, and irregular shapes rather than the straight lines, sharp corners, and acute angles of former architectural styles. The term ‘parametricism’ was actually coined by Patrik Schumacher; it originates from mathematics -yes, architects actually need maths!– and refers to the use of certain parameters or variables that can be edited to manipulate the result of an equation or system.

Parametric design can actually allow architects to build shapes that were not possible before this technology; both for functional and aesthetic reasons. Parametric architecture depends on a computerized, algorithmic design process.

• Parametric Design Example:

Soumaya Museum | FR-EE Fernando Romero Enterprise

Programmed and designed by FR-EE, the museum reflects the eclectic taste of the collector, as well as his desire to create a new cultural institution for the public and the city.

• Generative Design

What is Generative Design?

Autodesk defines generative design as a design exploration process. “Designers or engineers input design goals into the generative design software, along with parameters such as performance or spatial requirements, materials, manufacturing methods, and cost constraints. The software explores all the possible permutations of a solution, quickly generating design alternatives. It tests and learns from each iteration what works and what doesn’t.”

• Generative Design Example:

Heydar Aliyev Center | Zaha Hadid Architects

Zaha Hadid was one of the leaders in the world of digital architecture. One of her notable buildings that made use of the method of generative design is the Heydar Aliyev Center, which is one of Hadid’s award-winning projects.

• Digital Fabrication

What is Digital Fabrication?

Digital fabrication is a design and manufacturing workflow where digital data directly drives manufacturing equipment to form various part geometries. This data most often comes from CAD (computer-aided design), which is then transferred to CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) software. The output of CAM software is data that directs specific additive and subtractive manufacturing tools, such as a 3D printer or CNC milling machine.

• Digital Fabrication Example:

TECLA Technology and Clay 3D Printed House | Mario Cucinella Architects

TECLA is the first eco-sustainable housing model 3D printed entirely from local raw earth. It can be delivered with 200 hours of printing, 7000 machine codes (G-code), 350 12 mm layers, 150 km of extrusion, 60 cubic meters of natural materials for average consumption of less than 6 kW.

What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented reality is an interactive experience of a real-world environment where the objects that reside in the real world are enhanced by computer-generated perceptual information including auditory, visual, and sensory features. Augmented reality in construction and architecture projects involves placing a 3D model of a proposed design onto an existing space using mobile devices and 3D models.

• Augmented Reality Example in Architecture:

Steampunk | SoomeenHahm Design, Igor Pantic, and Fologram

The design team combined traditional methods such as steam-bent hardwood and hand tools with contemporary technology, augmented reality, to create the timber and steel structure, which is called Steampunk.