High Tech movement
in architecture
aims to apply modern construction techniques as much a possible. This should
lead to an industrial production of buildings, both dwellings and offices.
Artisan like masonry and carpentry should remain in the past. Buildings should
express these modern techniques in all kinds of technical features and
amenities. But also in the building's outward appearance the modern technologies
should be clearly visible.
The most famous and extremely worked out example of
High Tech is the
Centre Pompidou in Parijs by architects Rodgers and Piano. Piano has some recent
work in Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Of his hand are the Belvedere (2000) on the
Wilhelminakade and the Nemo in Amsterdam. Other examples of High Tech are Central
Library on Hoogstraat (B
akema, 1977-83),
where, like in Paris, the ventilation shafts are clearly visible on the outside. British architect Sir Norman Foster
can also be counted into this movement. He built the new dome on the Reichstag
in Berlin, the Millennium Bridge and the Gherkin in London. In Rotterdam he made
the masterplan for the Wilhelminapier and the design for the World Port
Centre (2000).
Finally you could also put the Erasmusbrug (Van Berkel, 1996) in this category as well.