High-tech architecture
'High-tech' is an architectural style that incorporates elements of the new high-tech industries and advanced construction techniques into building design. Also known as 'late modernism' or 'structural expressionism', it emerged in the 1970s as a response to a growing disillusionment with modern architecture that was felt to have produced monotonous, standardised structures.
High-tech often seen as being the link between modernism and postmodernism. Developed out of modernism, high-tech attached importance to the object itself rather than the object being a functional use of space. It aimed to achieve a new industrial aesthetic, inspired by technological progress and the computerisation of industry.
It sought to integrate the technical equipment of the building into its structure, marrying functionality with its aesthetics. This would be taken further by architects such as Richard Rogers on buildings such as Lloyds of London and the Centre Pompidou in a style that was sometimes referred to as 'bowellism', based on the idea that the greatest amount of free floor space could be maintained by externalising building services.
Some of the most well-known architects identified with the high-tech style are Norman Foster, Richard Rogers, Renzo Piano, Michael Hopkins, and Jean Nouvel.
Some of the most well-known examples of high-tech buildings are:
- City Hall, London.
- Bank of China Tower.
- Lloyds of London.
- Allianz Arena, Munich.
- Centre Pompidou.
- Beetham Tower, Manchester.
- Internationales Congress Centrum, Berlin.
- HSBC Headquarters, Hong Kong.
- Listing of Sainsbury's supermarket in Camden Town.
- Channel Four Television Headquarters.
- Schlumberger Research Laboratories, Cambridge.
- Renault parts distribution centre, Swindon.
- Grand Union Walk housing, London.
- TV-am building, Camden.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Architectural styles.
- Art Nouveau.
- Bank of China Tower.
- Blobitecture.
- Brutalism.
- Centre Pompidou.
- Concept architectural design.
- Constructivist architecture.
- Deconstructivism.
- Expressionist architecture.
- Fuji TV Building, Tokyo.
- Futurist architecture.
- International Style.
- Italian brutalism.
- Last Futures: Nature, Technology and the End of Architecture.
- Megastructure.
- Metabolism.
- Modernist architecture.
- Neo-futurism.
- Nicholas Grimshaw.
- Norman Foster.
- Parametricism.
- Postmodern architecture.
- Richard Rogers.
- Sage Gateshead.
- Speculative architecture.
[edit] External references
- MLJ - High-tech architecture
Featured articles and news
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.