Introduction
James Steele reviewed at least 16 architectural styles.
In his book, 'Architecture Today', James Steele reviewed at least 16 architectural styles. These included:
- Ecological
- New Expressionism
- Contemporary Vernacular
- De-constructivism
- Post Modernism
- Classical
- Minimalism
- Hi-Tech
- European Rationalism
- Modernism
- New Moderns
- Populist
- Megastructures
- Japanese Experience
- World Cities
- LA Avant garde
The classification of buildings is not restricted to one style. 'Hi-Tech' can also be 'Ecological'. Similar design aspirations, controls and philosophies may be expressed in contrasting styles of architecture.
Of course the list is not comprehensive and buildings can often be classified in a combination of styles. For example, Catherine Slessor in, 'Eco Tech', argued that many 'high tech' buildings can also be defined as Ecological. They are, she argues, just as sound in their ecological approach as others with less expressive technology.
When considering the influence of contemporary trends on the use of steel in architecture, rather than analyse projects from a stylistic point of view, it is more important to focus on common design aspirations, controls and philosophies which may be common across many styles. The following traits appear to be consistent irrespective to the category of building, and hold some common ground among a broad cross section of architects.
