11.3 Structural Expressionism: concepts and notable examples

Structural Expressionism emerged as a bold architectural movement, celebrating the raw beauty of exposed building elements. Architects embraced the "form follows force" principle, using structural logic to shape visually striking designs that pushed the boundaries of engineering and aesthetics.

Pioneering architects like Eero Saarinen and Frei Otto led the charge, creating iconic structures that showcased the expressive potential of materials like concrete and steel. Their innovative designs, such as the TWA Flight Center and Munich Olympic Stadium, exemplified the movement's fusion of form and function.

Exposed Structures and Design Philosophy

Exposed Structural Elements as Aesthetic Features

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• Structural expressionist architects intentionally expose and highlight the building's structural systems (beams, columns, trusses) as the primary aesthetic features
• Celebrates the inherent beauty and functionality of the structural elements by making them visible and integral to the overall design
• Contrasts with previous architectural styles that often concealed or minimized the appearance of structural components
• Embraces an honest and direct approach to architecture by revealing the "bones" of the building and the forces at work

Form Follows Force: Designing with Structural Principles

• Structural expressionist designs prioritize the efficient and logical use of structural principles to shape the building's form
• Architects carefully consider the flow and distribution of forces (gravity, wind, seismic) throughout the structure to create optimal and visually expressive forms
• Results in organic, curvilinear, or geometrically complex shapes that directly respond to the structural requirements of the building
• Exemplifies the concept of "form follows force" where the building's appearance is a direct result of its structural design rather than arbitrary aesthetic decisions

Tensile Structures: Lightweight and Expressive

• Structural expressionism often incorporates tensile structures (cable, membrane, fabric) that rely on tension rather than compression for stability
• Tensile structures allow for large spans and lightweight, open spaces with minimal supporting elements
• Creates dynamic, fluid, and expressive forms that seem to defy traditional notions of solidity and mass (Munich Olympic Stadium)
• Showcases the potential of innovative structural systems to enable new architectural possibilities and experiences

High-Tech Architecture: Celebrating Technology

• High-tech architecture emerges as a related movement that celebrates the aesthetics of modern technology and industrial production
• Emphasizes the use of prefabricated, modular, and highly engineered components (steel, glass, tensile fabrics) as expressive design elements
• Reveals and highlights the technical aspects of the building (ducts, pipes, mechanical systems) as part of the architectural language
• Embodies a futuristic and optimistic view of technology's role in shaping the built environment (Centre Pompidou, Lloyd's Building)

Pioneering Architects

Eero Saarinen: Sculptural Expressionism

• Finnish-American architect known for his sculptural and expressive designs that pushed the boundaries of structural possibilities
• Explored the potential of reinforced concrete, steel, and other modern materials to create fluid, organic, and futuristic forms
• Notable works include the TWA Flight Center (New York), Gateway Arch (St. Louis), and Dulles International Airport (Washington D.C.)
• Saarinen's designs exemplify the integration of structure, form, and space into unified and iconic architectural statements

Jørn Utzon: Poetic Structuralism

• Danish architect best known for his design of the Sydney Opera House, a masterpiece of structural expressionism
• Developed a unique approach to structurally-driven design that combined poetic vision with rigorous engineering principles
• Explored the use of precast concrete components, shell structures, and modular systems to create expressive and efficient forms
• Other notable works include the Bagsværd Church (Denmark) and the Kuwait National Assembly Building

Pier Luigi Nervi: Engineering Artistry

• Italian engineer and architect renowned for his innovative use of reinforced concrete to create expressive and efficient structures
• Developed new construction techniques, such as ferro-cemento and prefabricated concrete elements, that expanded the possibilities of concrete design
• Notable works include the Palazzetto dello Sport (Rome), the UNESCO Headquarters (Paris), and the George Washington Bridge Bus Station (New York)
• Nervi's designs showcase the artistic potential of structural engineering and the seamless integration of form and function

Kenzo Tange: Metabolist Structuralism

• Japanese architect and leader of the Metabolist movement, which envisioned adaptable and expandable urban structures
• Explored the use of modular systems, megastructures, and expressive structural forms to create dynamic and future-oriented designs
• Notable works include the Yoyogi National Gymnasium (Tokyo), the Shizuoka Press and Broadcasting Center, and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
• Tange's designs embody the principles of structural expressionism through their bold forms, exposed structural elements, and integration with urban context

Frei Otto: Lightweight and Tensile Innovation

• German architect and structural engineer known for his pioneering work with lightweight and tensile structures
• Developed new computational methods and physical models to design and analyze complex tensile systems, such as cable nets and membranes
• Notable works include the Munich Olympic Stadium, the German Pavilion at Expo 67 (Montreal), and the Mannheim Multihalle
• Otto's designs pushed the boundaries of structural expressionism by creating ethereal, fluid, and highly efficient forms that blurred the lines between architecture and engineering

Iconic Buildings

TWA Flight Center: Expressive Concrete Shell

• Designed by Eero Saarinen in 1962 as a terminal for Trans World Airlines at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport
• Features a sculptural concrete shell structure that evokes the aerodynamic forms of flight and movement
• Interior spaces are organized around a central, curving spine that guides passengers through the building
• Showcases Saarinen's ability to create expressive and iconic forms that celebrate the romance and excitement of air travel

Sydney Opera House: Soaring Concrete Shells

• Designed by Jørn Utzon and completed in 1973, the Sydney Opera House is an iconic example of structural expressionism
• Features a series of precast concrete shell structures that form the building's distinctive roof forms, evoking the sails of ships in the harbor
• Interior spaces are organized around a central grand staircase and feature exposed concrete surfaces and wood paneling
• Demonstrates Utzon's innovative approach to modular construction and the integration of structure, form, and acoustics

Munich Olympic Stadium: Tensile Membrane Canopy

• Designed by Frei Otto and Günter Behnisch for the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany
• Features a groundbreaking tensile membrane canopy that covers the stadium seating and playing field
• The canopy is composed of acrylic panels suspended from a network of steel cables, creating a lightweight and translucent covering
• Showcases Otto's expertise in tensile structures and the potential for creating expressive and efficient forms that blend with the landscape