Speculative architecture
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Speculative architecture describes a proposed architectural scenario influenced by technology and its possible impact on space and time. It is a discipline that is sometimes applied to possibilities in urban planning that may never be realised but are instead meant to stretch the boundaries of the creative process.
In a speculative architecture, the project is less about how the building is physically shaped and more about how the structure operates based on available technologies. The sustainably oriented consequences of its operation should be designed to have a positive future impact on not only the physical representation but also on the culture and the community surrounded by the building.
[edit] Early history
Archigram was a UK-based art and architecture collective that came to prominence in the 1960s. As part of the burgeoning avant garde of the time, it aimed to explore extreme alternatives for urban design as a response to what it perceived to be the dullness and intellectual conservatism of modern architecture.
Virtually all of their plans and ideas remained unrealised, freeing them to explore unorthodox and outlandish designs which they often published in their Archigram magazine. They were defined less by a specific set of principles, than by an optimistic spirit that corresponded to the prevailing mood of the 1960s, looking to shake off out-dated ideas and conventions. They were inspired by the technocratic ideas of Buckminster Fuller as well as the American Beat movement and Pop art.
For more information see: Archigram.
[edit] Speculative architecture realised
One example of speculative architecture is New York City’s High Line Park. The urban renewal project of the city’s derelict elevated rail line had little support until an ideas competition brought the forgotten space on Manhattan’s West Side into the spotlight. Entries from around the world included a roller coaster and a lap pool, but the speculative nature of the competition also yielded several viable designs that might not have been realised.
The High Line in New York City opened in 2014; it has since become one continuous, 1.45-mile-long greenway featuring 500+ species of plants and trees. |
This creative exercise is thought to have sparked the imagination of competitors, resulting in imaginative and fanciful renderings. When residents and planners saw the possibilities - both imagined and real - it generated genuine support for the project.
NB This interpretation of speculative architecture should not be confused with speculative development, or speculative construction, which describes a process in which unused land is purchased or a building project is undertaken with no formal commitment from any end users. For more information see: Speculative construction.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Plumbing and heating for successful retrofit and renovation
Low temperature underfloor systems and heat pumps.
Cost-of-living crisis and home improvement plans
Starting on the right footing and top tips for projects.
Delays on construction projects
Types, mitigation and the acceleration of works.
From Chaucer to Fawlty Towers.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
New project and cultural district described in detail.
The nature of EPCs, crticism and inaccuracies.
History, issues and redesign.
From waste recycling to energy performance the hierchy.
An introduction to WERCS and WEEE responsibilities
Dealing with 2 million tonnes of waste equipment a year.
Global BACS Market: analytics and optimisation
A BSRIA glance at building automation and control systems.
What it is and how to use it.
Types of insulating plaster by binder and insulant.
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.