High Tech and Architecture

With the field of architecture expanding more than ever, there were many styles being created or revisited. One of the grossing trends in the 1970s was the High Tech style. This style was a bridge between modernism and post modernism, with the focus being on exposing technology in buildings.

This movement started after World War II when there was a need to ration materials. The war took up most of the sources for building materials. When new building structures were being designed, architects made a conscious effort to use the least amount of supplies. The high-tech style was similar in a sense that fewer resources would be used in the construction of the building. ceilings were purposely left out since the exposure of the systems in the ceiling were socially acceptable. 

After hearing “high-tech” most people will think of technology in this day. But in the 1970s it was the purpose of exposing the technology

within the building. In contrary to this, it could also be hiding the technology to make the building appear as if it was created effortlessly. One will find the use of glass and the exposure of steel frames in a majority of the high-tech buildings. These were the techniques that were favoured.
Technology in the sense of new building materials and structures were also being explored at this time. Larger buildings were being created since the materials that were used allowed for it. They were able to expose more of the exterior and allow for more glazing so all occupants within the building can be exposed to daylight at all hours. Designers, architects, and artists worldwide were exploring with these new materials and creating new pieces that were tremendous in size, shape, and form. The style, High Tech Architecture, was appealing to consumers all around since minimalist was the new trend of the century. Creating a big impact with the least amount of materials was a challenge that everyone designing was eager to attempt.

Similar to what is classified as the industrial style today; people were fascinated with seeing how a building was able to support itself. This was not a common sight before the 1970s; only the architects, designers, and construction crew were able to see this before this period. High-tech let this exposure happen and yet still created and aesthetically pleasing interior. 

Sources:

High-tech Architecture 
HIGH TECH ARCHITECTURE