The Trend in Constructing Biomorphic Forms

We are continuing our blog posts to discuss the latest building trend of using biomorphic (life-shaped) forms in designing fluid, organic structures.  Through our decades of experience as one of the foremost commercial concrete contractors in the Western U.S., The Conco Companies have had the opportunity to be a part of many state-of-the-art architectural projects over the years.  The information regarding new trends in the building industry is based on an article from WTTW, a Chicago public media organization.     

As one of the greatest architects in the 20^th century, Frank Lloyd Wright created his designs with a philosophy he called “organic architecture”, which is the integration of manmade and natural environments.  He best exemplified this philosophy with the house called Fallingwater, which is integrated into a waterfall.  It has the honor of being "the best all-time work of American architecture."  

 

Today the concepts and philosophy that Frank Lloyd Wright epitomized have been expanded upon.  Biomorphic Architecture “bases its shapes on human and animal forms” and is inspired from nature.  Architects such as Frank Gehry, Jeanne Gang, and Herzog & de Mueron are finding their own inspiration in fluid, organic forms.  WTTF states that with, “computer-aided design and construction technologies, these architects are able to create structures with more biomorphic forms, forwarding Wright’s vision of organic architecture to a curvaceous new plane.”

Examples of Biomorphic Architecture include the:

·         Orquideorama Botanic Garden in Medellín, Colombia completed in 2006.  The architects were Plan B Arquitectos + JPRCR Arquitectos and the structure is made out of wood, steel, and polycarbonate. 

·         Spanish Pavilion in Shangai, China that was completed in 2010.  The architect was EMBT and the structure is made of steel and wicker. 

·         Milwaukee Art Museum in Milwaukee, WI was done in 2001.  The architect is Santiago Calatrava and the building is made out of concrete and glass. 

 

·         Selfridges Department Store in Birmingham, England was completed in 2003.  Architect was Future Systems and the materials used were sprayed-concrete, synthetic sealant, aluminum.

Source:

interactive.wttw.com/tenbuildings/ten-building-trends-could-change-america

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Lloyd_Wright
duranvirginia.wordpress.com/2012/12/27/curiosities-10-examples-of-biomorphic-architecture/

Conco is a leading supplier of concrete services for the Western United States. We got our start in the Bay Area in 1959 by offering clients the best value on a wide range of concrete services and products.  Since that time, we have taken a leading role as one of the top concrete contractors in the region. We have four regional offices serving California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada and Colorado.