HIGH-TECH
The high-tech style originates in the UK from about the 70s, which were the period of the end of late modernism.
The whole essence of this architectural style is represented by its name, since in English it translates as “high technologies,” that is, high tech houses were designed according to new standards and construction rules, using new building materials.
Accordingly, the requirements for such structures (for decorative and artistic design and a space-planning solution) were somewhat different than for postmodernism. Here there is also minimalism in geometry and the predominance of straight/regular geometric forms, the minimum number or absence of completely decorative (especially monumental) jewelry elements.
The high tech style in architecture has a special design solution, which is due to new elements of structural frames. The fact is that as a rule, channels, tavers and I-beams (they are called open section elements) are used for the set of the frame of buildings, but in this case they are not used – pipes with a round and/or rectangular section are used. In addition, there is the introduction of a system of special rigid and cable elements, in addition to the used traditional load-bearing structures of frames and trusses.
The materials with which high-tech projects are implemented are of purely artificial origin. So, in contrast to styles using natural materials, glass, plastic, concrete, metal rolling and profiled parts and structural elements prevail here. At the same time, the design of high-tech buildings occurs with an emphasis on functionality, even structural elements of structures are practically not hidden.
As for materials for exterior decoration, the high-tech facade is carried out exclusively in a dry way, that is, a system of frames and skin panels and special glasses are used, which are mounted on fastening clamping or screw elements. The frame to which these panels are mounted itself consists of special metal profiles. This design is much faster to perform and easier than plaster, the so-called “wet” facades.
You can observe projects of high-tech houses as high, bright, mirror-reflecting light, strict forms of modern structures, among which shopping/shopping and entertainment centers, business centers, large administrative centers and other commercial zones are most often found.
Purely glass-lined structures of this style are its division – the so-called slick-tech style.
It is very rare to observe high-rise buildings in the high-tech style as a residential purpose (even less often – cottages in this style), since initially their functionality and other indicators are mainly aimed at commercial construction.
Finally, it is worth saying that this high-tech architectural style, buildings in this style have a lot of features. For example, a pendulum installation on the roof of a skyscraper that balances and prevents rocking. Even in such buildings, a landing pad for a fire and evacuation helicopter is often densely present. With special responsibility, they relate to the design of engineering networks in such high-rise structures.