Concrete and the Modern Architecture

Concrete
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Concrete
Concrete is the oldest and most ubiquitous material among the building materials associated with modern architecture. It is technologically simple and complicated, as demonstrated in its widespread use worldwide. Concrete in architecture has become popular become of the following reasons. Firstly, concrete is durable and can withstand the winds of time. Its ability to withstand winds means it can be used in areas with strong winds. Secondly, it offers a superior sense of protection from elements of nature. Lastly, it creates a comforting sense of permanence. Because of these factors, concrete became an important building material, shaping modern architecture. The 19th century led to new constructional possibilities (Giedion, 1995). With the availability of concrete, architecture was transformed to accommodate the relatively new building material.
Reinforced concrete came about due to a long line of technical developments. In 1825, engineer Louis Vicat invented artificial cement. The invention allowed architects to have new sources of binding material. The inclusion of metal reinforcements enabled the material to resist tensile force. Scientists had discovered that steel and concrete had a similar coefficient of explanation and hence could be used in combination successfully (Cohen, 2014). Concrete needed to be brought to the public’s attention. Engineer François Hennebique was instrumental in demonstrating the structural and architectural potential of concurrent to the public. He did this by patenting his inventions and establishing a building design office where architects could partner. Hennebique used concrete to construct various buildings; the Charles VI spinning mill in Roubaix (1895) and the refinery at Saint-Ouen (1894), and the main staircase at the Grand Palais (190...