High Tech Architecture - Colin Davies (Easy »)

: A strict preference for metal and glass over traditional, "messy" materials like brick or timber.

: A commitment to revealing how a building works. This includes the celebratory display of structural systems (exposed steel) and mechanical services (pipes, air ducts, lifts). High Tech Architecture - Colin Davies

In his seminal 1988 book, High Tech Architecture , Colin Davies provides a comprehensive survey of the movement, defining it not just as a construction method but as a profound cultural and symbolic expression. He positions High-Tech as a British-led movement that sought to align architecture with the "spirit of the age" by borrowing from advanced industries like aerospace, transport, and communication. Core Characteristics and Themes : A strict preference for metal and glass

: While most High-Tech buildings are unique one-offs, they are designed to look mass-produced and machine-like, suggesting they could be easily dismantled or repeated. The Functional vs. Symbolic Paradox In his seminal 1988 book, High Tech Architecture

Davies identifies several key tenets that define the High-Tech style:

: High-Tech architects often claim their designs are purely functional and efficient, seeking to be judged by performance criteria like any other industrial tool.