METAMODERN ARCHITECTURE IN OUR MODERN CULTURE
By: R.A. Smythe metamodern architecture
Metamodern architecture in our modern culture begins and ends with the “individual” at the helm of all. The metamodern architecture is absolutely indicative of the definition of the era, as the form is coincidentally similar to technological devices whilst keeping wholesomeness of nature. The natural aspect of form, function and the needs of the individual in this era is most apparent within the person’s living space.
The space defined as the place whereby the individual needs and wants and delivers in this technologically driven era. If it wasn’t for the digital culture driving the lifestyle, we would all still be more communal. The digital culture lives in a screenification society.
Screens surrounding and absorbing the individual within a room, yet singularly interacting.
Screens have come to be our personal valet-robots, they have brought balance and productivity to our lives and changed our family and society during its uptake. We used to act en masse; told what to like and purchase by the advertisers; what to watch was dictated by the advertisers because if they didn’t advertiser, there was no program. The advertisers would also inform the masses through media what was important; what to pay attention to; what to like and dislike. Now, metamoderism has reared its head and the individual has choices at his fingertips; with those choices comes a price, such as a loss in large communal, personal experiences. That is not to say that metamodernists are not community oriented; for they are more than any other generation. It is to say that they are touch-to-touch community oriented. The socialization of the individual, is far more one on one, and far more personable and engaging, due to the technology. The individual has more platforms and options and means of interacting than ever before and his living and working and lifestyle environment fully reflects that within the metamodern architecture.
The functions of nature and its balanced interactions within the framework of the individual’s needs and lifestyle is the driving force of the architectural form. The mimicry of the grand shapes of our screenification society defining the silhouettes’ shapes and forms.
Such are the patterns emergence of the repetition. The space is then filled with that which is within it, creating and defining new areas, giving new forms a chance to be still and to create new forms within the silhouettes and structures. Utilizing natural elements, allowing light to flow or stop or manipulate, and greens to be personalized and meaningful is the allowance for the old and the need to appreciate the old for its sensory joys.
Light, space, form, pattern and senses all necessary for the metamodern architecture.