Megastructure
The term ‘megastructure’ was applied to a range of futurist proposals and experiments in architecture and design during the early 1960s. The main premise of a megastructure was that a single building or structure could be used as a frame to which infrastructure, utilities and additional units could be interconnected and expanded upon, almost as a self-contained ‘city’.
The term came to popular attention in Reyner Banham’s 1976 book ‘Megastructures: Urban Futures of the Recent Past’ and was seen as an architectural response from the likes of design group Archigram and Buckminster Fuller to the developing awareness of issues such as urban densification and overpopulation.
According to Douglas Murphy in ‘Last Futures: Nature, Technology and the End of Architecture’:
‘…megastructure also referred to an architectural aesthetic – massive, disparate structures combining strict artificial forms with an organic growth of spaces within. It was a serious attempt at developing the ongoing practice of addressing large urban problems through planning whilst simultaneously incorporating the rapidly changing lifestyles of the post-war era.’
Despite belonging more to theory than actual projects, megastructures had to conform to a number of criteria:
- Capable of extension or reduction after initial construction.
- Modular.
- Built from repeating components.
- A structural framework capable of having smaller elements ‘plugged’ into it.
- A more durable initial structure than the subsequent ‘plugged-in’ elements.
Several examples of megastructures were exhibited at events such as Expo 67 and Expo 70. These took the form of giant space frames such as; Buckminster Fuller’s geodesic domes, Kenzo Tange’s Expo 1970 Theme Pavilion (see top image), and modular units such as the Japanese Metabolist movement.
During the 1970s, megastructure designs were influenced by the environmental movement and the American ‘counter-culture’, and adopted forms that were intended to be ‘floating habitats’. Examples included Buckminster Fuller’s design for Triton City (a floating ziggurat housing block with plug-in units); Kenzo Tange’s Tokyo Bay project; and Frei Otto’s ‘Arctic City’ proposal for a large envelope structure 2 km across, under which a city could be constructed that would be sheltered from harsh Arctic conditions.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Archigram.
- Architectural styles.
- Blobitecture.
- Buckminster Fuller.
- Chernobyl New Safe Confinement.
- Constructivist architecture.
- Frei Otto.
- Geodesic dome.
- Habitat 67.
- High-rise building.
- Hyperbolic paraboloid.
- Last Futures: Nature, Technology and the End of Architecture.
- Long span roof.
- Megacity.
- Megatall.
- Metabolism.
- Monument and context.
- Nakagin Capsule Tower.
- New York Horizon.
- Norfolk Terrace and Suffolk Terrace - ‘the Ziggurats’.
- Shell roof.
- Skyscraper.
- Speculative architecture.
- Supertall.
- The development of structural membranes.
- Types of building.
[edit] External references
- ‘Last Futures: Nature, Technology and the End of Architecture’, MURPHY, D., Verso (2016)
Featured articles and news
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
The ECA Industry Awards 2024 now open !
Recognising the best in the electrotechnical industry.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding..