Blobitecture
'Blobitecture', also known as 'blobism', is a term given to a post-modern architectural style characterised by curved and rounded building shapes, or 'blob architecture'. Blobitecture buildings appear to have an organic form that is soft and free-flowing, yet comes together to produce a complex whole.
The design of buildings has historically been limited by the performance of materials found in nature or easily manufactured from available materials. With the modern capability of technology to supply entirely 'artificial' complex substances, with unique performance characteristics the range of possible design forms has grown considerably.
Architecture radicals, such as Archigram in the 1960s, Buckminster Fuller and the deconstructivists, began to design unusual, inflatable and 'plastic' buildings that exploited this potential, and sometimes were even beyond the structural possibilities of the time.
However, it was in the 1990s, with the wide-spread adoption of computer-aided design (CAD) that buildings adopting unconventional geometric shapes, free of right-angles, became practical. The architect Greg Lynn coined the term 'blobitecture', which he based on the software feature that created Binary Large Objects.
Some of the most prominent examples of blobitecture include:
De Admirant Entrance Building, Eindhoven
Selfridges Buildings, Birmingham
Metropol Parasol, Seville
Eden Project, Cornwall
Kunsthaus Graz (see top image)
Experience Music Project, Seattle
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Heritage staff wellbeing at work survey.
A five minute introduction.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Showcasing the very best electrotechnical and engineering services for half a century.
Welsh government consults on HRBs and reg changes
Seeking feedback on a new regulatory regime and a broad range of issues.