Creative architecture is a creative, innovative and unique approach in architectural designs that result in the construction of artificial structures that distinctively stand out from the usual. These structures include bridges, buildings, and roads among others, and even though they come out as normal structures, architects can twist their designs to separate them from other similar structures. The twist may be in the form of appearance, composition, method of construction or even the technology that will be used in their construction. Most structures that come to exist as a result of creative architecture more often than not have to incorporate new technology. This main reason for this is that there new ideas may not be done before architects come up with ways in which their designs will be practically implemented. This only means that new technology will have to be invented to support the emergence of new ideas. Sometimes this technology is only used in the construction of one design since it may not really be applicable in other designs due to its sophistication. This paper will discuss the creative form of architecture that was used to create the Burj Khalifa building in the United Arab Emirates in order to appreciate the importance of creativity when practicing architecture.
There are many reasons that call for the need of creative architecture. One is the location that the structure has to be put up or constructed. There may be barriers or certain limitations that hinder the normal construction of a building e.g. physical barriers like mountains and water bodies, vulnerability to earthquakes, unstable weather conditions etc. Architects have come up with creative designs that will make it possible to construct these structures in such difficult circumstances.
Creative architecture also poses a challenge to the people who actually execute the design. From structural engineers to the quantity surveyors, they all face the challenge of implanting the uniqueness of the architectural designs. Quite often creative architecture presents these professionals with a new idea that they have never worked on before and thus the creativity is also transferred from the architect all the way to the foremen. Thus creativity comes off as an overall necessity.
In particular I will focus on the Burj Khalifa tower in the United Arab Emirates. This is the tallest man made structure in the world, standing at a height of 829.8 meters (2722 feet). The resolve to build the Burj Khalifa is supposedly as a result of the government decision to diversify its economy from being oil based to one that is service and tourism based. The Burj Khalifa not only boasts of great height but also an amazing design. It uses the bundled tube design. This is the reason why the building uses half the amount of steel as that used in the construction of the Empire State Building.
According to the structural engineers, cultural and historical elements particular to the region were incorporated in the building’s design. Engineers had to develop a new structural system called the buttressed core to support the unprecedented height of the building. This structural system keeps the building from twisting and also enables it to support itself laterally.
In addition to its amazing structural design, the Burj Khalifa is a magnificent sight to behold. Its beauty has been a great tourist attraction and with the Armani hotel housed inside the building, it is able to accommodate the many tourists. The inside of the building is also an architectural masterpiece. Fitted with amazing interior décor and superb artwork, the Burj Khalifa is more than just a piece of creative architecture, its very nature is a wonder.The Burj Khalifa creates an impression that is expected of any creative architecture. The innovativeness in the construction of the building is exemplified right from setting the foundation up to the laying of last stone.
Dubai is the fastest growing city in the world. An army of cranes and laborers work around the clock to turn the city into a place that the whole world will look up to, and the centerpiece of the grand plan is the Burj Khalifa. At its height, it provides astounding views over Dubai and the Arabian Gulf. The thrill that comes with climbing to the top is simply breathtaking and there is simply no other view as amazing. The cool wind breeze blows giving a cooling effect like no other. For one who is afraid of heights this is without a doubt a worthwhile risk. At the same time, it is a haven for base jumpers as they look to take a leap of their lives.
Tourists can also take a wander through the fountains and gardens of Burj Khalifa Park. The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping mall, attracts many shoppers. In addition to the huge variety of shops, the mall includes an ice rink, aquarium, cinemas and Sega theme park.
The Armani Hotel reflects the simplicity, elegance and the unique comfort that is the definition of Armani’s signature style. Unique textures, sophisticated colors and clean lines blend together with the tower’s architectural marvel and natural light creating a tranquil and serene atmosphere where guests can retreat into a world of stunning elegance.
In an age that has seen great advancement in technology, we cannot really tell of the next mind blowing design that architecture will bring us but we can be certain that the men and women in architecture will always look to surprise us. With great desire and ambition to surpass previous achievements, the diversity in the architecture industry can only grow at a rate that looks to neither reach an optimum nor slow down. We can only attempt to stretch our imagination as far as we can and let creativity and brilliance bring these ideas to reality.
Architecture has been described as both an art and science of designing and erecting physical structures but the fact that architectural works, in the material form of buildings are often viewed as cultural symbols but most importantly as works of art. Hence, just like in art, there are unlimited possibilities. In the same way that a spill of paint could result in a masterpiece, an architect could develop an idea out of nothing, purely stumbling on it by accident. Thus the source of inspiration to create a one of a kind design cannot be specifically defined.
In summary, creative architecture has brought us many breakthroughs in the construction of phenomenal and mega structures. Passion and the drive to surpass the already high standards in architecture will keep us marveling at the magnificent structures that we will have the privilege of laying our eyes on. Setting the pace for future generations, the willingness to come up with original and one of a kind designs gives the possibility of having the greatest architectural inventions yet. It is, therefore, true to say that creative architecture is beyond the sky limit, it is limitless.
Work Cited
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Mallgrave, Harry F. The Architect's Brain: Neuroscience, Creativity, and Architecture. Chichester, West Sussex, U.K: Wiley-Blackwell, 2010. Print.
Hall, Andrew. Details in Architecture: Creative Detailing by Leading Architects. Mulgrave, Vic: Images Publishing, 2009. Print.
