Most architects design their buildings to last for centuries if not longer. However, there’s something to be said for structures that aren’t meant to be upright for longer than a few months at most. These temporary buildings serve as sources of inspiration and appreciation for their basic engineering and fundamental construction.
Those who are intent on designing buildings meant to last far into the future can learn a lot from the look and feel of temporary structures, as demonstrated below:
Simplicity
When it comes to architecture, temporary structures are the essence of simplicity in design. Whether it’s a 10×10 tent for a tradeshow or a bounce house for a birthday party, temporary structures showcase how much can be done with very little. This can help architects to temper their tendency to incorporate more material and layout than is needed for achieving the purpose of a structure.
Efficiency
Most temporary structures are – by virtue of their design – limited on the amount of resources being used in their construction. In a world where clients are adamant about keeping costs low, the cost-effective use of building materials is essential for architects to embrace. By studying the ratio of materials used in the construction of temporary buildings, architects are better equipped to incorporate similar ratios in their own designs.
Mobility
Buildings are rarely – if ever – moved from one location to another. Such a process typically involves the transfer of thousands if not millions of bricks or a similarly monumental task. But what if this assumption were turned on its head? What if we design buildings that can be more easily moved to a different location if necessary? If this is ever to be the task of architects of the future, the temporary structures of today will hold the key.
Sensibility
Part of the genius of an igloo is the use of packed snow – a common resource in the environments where igloos are built – as the primary building material. The parabolic design of an igloo is a product of the material being used, in order to prevent the structural collapse which can be caused by melted ice and snow. This sort of sensibility of building design can be used by modern architects seeking to design more eco-friendly and cost-effective structures.
Originality
There’s more patience for creativity in design if it’s believed a structure will not be permanent. The greatest example of this is the Eiffel Tower, an iconic steel structure originally built to be the entrance to the 1890 World’s Fair. Most Parisians and French officials, as well as those considered the vanguards of French culture, considered the Eiffel Tower to be a grotesque eyesore not suitable for the skyline of the City of Light. Its construction was authorized partly because it was meant to be dismantled after it had served its purpose. Of course, that never happened and the Eiffel Tower – originally meant to be a temporary structure – still stands today over 130 years later.
Buildings are like monuments in the minds of most architects. They are built to stand in the same spot for as long as possible, becoming one with the surrounding landscape. However, there’s something to be said about structures that are not meant to be in the same place for too long. The art and science behind these temporary designs provide basic principles that every architect should appreciate.
Kerala style homes have courtyards surrounded by rooms on each side. Traditional Kerala-style homes have a central courtyard known as Nadumuttam surrounded by rooms. These homes promote natural light and ventilation according to the region’s climate. These homes, due to the feature of courtyards as their core spaces, offer beautiful opportunities for social gatherings. This […]
Arches have long held a timeless appeal in architecture—graceful, structural, and endlessly versatile. From a grand entrance to soft curves of an interior, arch design is making a reappearance in today’s interiors. Whether you like classic archways or clean lines of modern arches, every design aesthetic has an arch style. In this blog, we will […]
India, a nation bustling with innovation and a constant drive for progress, is increasingly embracing an unconventional yet incredibly promising architectural trend: container architecture. We are witnessing a fascinating transformation, as discarded shipping containers, once traversing the high seas laden with goods, now find new life as dynamic, sustainable, and surprisingly sophisticated living and working […]
In the world of interior design, luxury is no longer just about opulence—it’s about intentionality, emotion, and storytelling. Today’s luxury interiors blend comfort, artistry, and innovation, often reflecting a personalized experience that resonates with the inhabitants. From fashion boutiques echoing ancient geology to apartments that merge modern design with classic charm, luxury interiors are becoming […]
Throughout history, stone has embodied permanence, artistry, and raw beauty in architecture. From the grandeur of Roman amphitheaters to the earthy elegance of modern villas, stone remains a beloved material for its strength, sustainability, and aesthetic richness. As design trends evolve toward natural materials, eco-conscious decisions, and biophilic design, stone has found new expressions — […]
If you’ve ever struggled to visualize how a new sectional or bookshelf will look before you click “Buy,” you’ll appreciate the power of a free room design tool that lets you drop, resize, and style real-world furniture in seconds. Arcadium 3D—an online, browser-based design platform—pairs professional-grade 3-D modeling with an expanding catalog of parametric furniture, […]
Balcony decor ideas are a trend nowadays, as people have increasingly started living in apartments. These tiny spaces of the house have a larger importance in the day-to-day life of a person who lives on the upper floors of the apartments. Thus, balcony decor ideas must be very subjective to the people living in the […]
Staircase design for home plays a key role in shaping both function and style in interior architecture. Designers consistently push boundaries to create a staircase design for home that reflects personality, optimises space, and enhances aesthetics. From minimal floating stairs to ornate traditional options, each staircase design for home contributes a unique character. In this […]
When it comes to enhancing the kitchen window over the sink, various design ideas are possible to decorate Indian homes. From rooted in tradition to Western-style modular kitchens offer both functionality and attractive aesthetics. Apart from the sleek profile and raised breakfast counter, the kitchen window over sink is another spot to add appeal and […]
Indian homes place equal importance on pooja room door designs as they do on main door designs. With diverse and unique ethnic backgrounds, every family strives to reflect their personalities and identities in their designs. These identities can encompass religious or spiritual interests, local contexts, or other personal elements. This series of blogs, featuring 50 […]