Filigree constructions vs solid constructions. The relationship between structure and architecture in the contemporary age

Abstract

Historically, building shape and structure have been designed, in solid construction, at the same moment. Their relationship is evident in the organization of the building inner space. On the contrary, in filigree construction, the interior space isn't often directly defined by the structure and the separation between building's interior and exterior is much more clear especially if we consider contemporary architectures where filigree structures are frequently used. The paper points out the role of structure in relation to the building shape in the contemporary age. Different architectures have been analysed (such as high-rise and free-form buildings) in order to put in evidence the criteria and the technologies used to build them and in order to underline the differences or similarities of the design approach used by the architects with the aim to re-veal -or not- the relation between structure and architecture.