High-tech is an architectural style that emerged in the 1970s, in which a building’s structure, pipes and services are deliberately made visible rather than hidden away. Technology is not a burden but an ornament: steel, glass and pipes are shown with pride.
Characteristics
- Exposed structure — trusses, tie rods and joints remain in view
- Services on the outside — pipes, ducts, lifts and stairs on the facade
- Industrial materials — steel, aluminium, glass and plastic
- Flexible floor plans — large, column-free spaces that can be freely arranged
- Prefabrication and precision — machine-made, exactly fitting components
Background
The style builds on functionalism and the idea that form may follow technology. Well-known examples are the Centre Pompidou in Paris (Piano and Rogers, 1977) and the Lloyd’s building in London (Rogers). Norman Foster is also regarded as a major representative.
Application
- Cultural buildings — museums and theatres with large spans
- Offices — flexible floors with services on the outside
- Airports and stations — light, transparent roofs
- Sports halls — large clear spans with exposed trusses
By moving the services outside, the interior stays open and easy to adapt to new functions.
Related terms
- Functionalism
- Modernism
- Steel
- Curtain wall
- Frame construction
- Truss
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