Modern construction: a non-trivial approach to traditions

There is no doubt that modern construction is developing at a rapid pace. However, does more really mean better? This is the question that specialists increasingly ask themselves, who have set themselves the task of not only constantly increasing the number of buildings, but also improving their quality, safety and environmental friendliness with the help of architectural design and other methods.

What did engineers and architects come up with?

Every year, new construction technologies are discussed at international forums, which will make it possible to make structures more durable and long-lasting. Several other important aspects are reducing the negative impact on the environment, careful use of natural resources and increasing the life cycle of building materials. So, what is needed to make the design and construction of buildings truly effective? We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the latest market trends.

Materials Science

Modern experts are confident that success in reducing resource consumption can be achieved by thoroughly studying the properties of materials used in construction. It is important to correctly calculate and take into account all stages of their life cycle - from production to disposal. A clear example of the effectiveness of this method was the joint presentation of ETH Zurich and Zaha Hadid Architects in Mexico City in 2018. A five-ton structure was cast on site using bright textiles as formwork. The advantages of such an original replacement are obvious. Firstly, textiles turned out to be much cheaper than traditional material, and secondly, it made it possible to cast a structure with a complex configuration.

Local resources

It is no secret that the optimal solution for any construction is the maximum use of local, most accessible resources. This applies to the selection of employees, the use of locally produced building materials, the use of secondary raw materials, and the design of construction projects . One of the latest trends in such interaction has become the use of compacted earth for construction. This unique technology was actively used by our ancestors and, as it turns out, has not lost its relevance today. A striking example of the application of the method is the construction of a plant for the processing of organic resources in Switzerland according to the design of Herzog & de Meuron.

Environment

Just a few decades ago, environmental concerns were considered something ephemeral and completely unimportant. Nowadays, when the effect of thoughtless use of natural resources has reached alarming proportions, ecology is spoken of with great respect. Thus, it is obvious that almost half of the world's carbon dioxide emissions are associated with human life processes. It has been established that the greatest harm to nature is caused by the production of cement and metal structures. A significant amount of carbon dioxide emissions comes from the operational sphere, agriculture, transport and energy. There are several ways to reduce the negative impact. These include the reuse and proper disposal of building materials.

Global simplification

This concept has a profound meaning, as it implies the simplification of all processes without exception. This means that construction projects should become as clear as possible, structures – simple, and materials – accessible. The paradox of global simplification lies in the complexity of its implementation. Thus, for sorting and storing materials for reuse, it is necessary to have special warehouses and companies that control the processes of collection and transfer. The development of construction and reconstruction projects for buildings that take into account the latest global trends should be carried out by specialists with unconventional thinking, the number of which is still insignificant.

The development of the construction industry in the direction of careful savings is impossible without constant support from large businesses. In the world, this problem is solved with the help of global capital investments in research, as well as holding all kinds of competitions. Engineers, architects, designers and scientists from all over the world can take part in them, which means that in the near future, similar projects will be implemented in our country.