CAN TRADITIONAL AND MODERN ARCHITECTURE COEXIST

FUSION METHOD OF TRADITION AND MODERNITY IN ARCHITECTURE

By Deep Prakash
April 21,2020
Tradition of architecture mainly depends on place or region,and tradition depends on
culture and culture depends people and their requirement.
But there is growth in humans and country’s economy, people living demands are also
changing, which means if we follow only tradition we cannot fulfill the requirements of
people today. To overcome that, the best way is to combine tradition with natural
environment and resources so that the development is sustainable. In this architecture design
we will have both function and tradition.
Architecture, this word shows both creativity and science.The identity of any country
also depends on the country’s architectural heritage in which we consider both modern
buildings like Antilia and traditional building designs like Taj Mahal or the blend of both of
them like City centre,Kolkata
Architecture can be categorized in different ways so that it can fulfill people and their
demands at different period of time. There are basically two types of architecture they are
i)Modern architecture and
ii)Traditional architecture
Some people imagine of having wonderful homes of steel and glass with open floor
plans (plain & simple); others like the homes that feel like museums having lot of wall
carvings,craft works,ornaments,etc. (complex forms).
The strong points why to opt for modern architecture is they it consists wide variety of
architectural styles.
If we go back five hundred years ago,Americans were building homes with adobe and
Europeans with stone. Those homes were having thick walls, small windows, and small
interior rooms. After that technologies such as steel became popular and helped in creating
large expansion of space with the use of glass in structure. In our lifestyle today are is very
different than the lifestyles was 50 years
Ago or the lifestyles from 100 or 200 years ago. So Architecture must represent the way
we live today, not the way we lived hundreds of years ago.
What is a modern architecture?
Modern architecture is known as the architecture that began in the 20th century, it is also
architecture in which there was simplification of forms and subtraction of the ornaments.
Modern architecture is futuristic has colorful and innovative designs.
In Modern architecture these days there are so many materials that architects can use to create
different effects on buildings. In history, Modern architecture was developed during the early
20th century but it gained popularity after the Second World War. Architectures of this type
shows function and more practical rather philosphical in its structure.Lesser ornaments are
used and also there is eliminations of details.It follows “form follows function”. Generally,
modern design is simple and sober and contains lesser building accessories. The modern
design has angular edges, geometric and abstract patterns.
Natural materials like linen, leather and teak wood are mostly used in traitional
architecture. In modern design, the furnitures are little bit raised from the floor by using legs
which create an airy and open
atmosphere. Colors which are used in modern design are neutral shades but they are
highlighted with splash of color. Walls are generally cream and white in color. Floors are
mostly made of cement or wood. Also, sculptures and paintings are used as decorative
features in modern design.
If someone wants to design or re-innovate their home, they think to design whether to
include modern design. But there is difference between these terms.The terms — modern is
related to time and so it changes from time to time. But, in the world of design, the terms
represent different styles. To be modern a building should be light and airy, it must use latest
technology and newer invention in the construction process and provide stability,t and all of
this done without compromising with nature.
 Of course traditional house will not guarantee that the roof is not going to leak, whether
the windows are properly sealed or not. Traditional house cannot guarantee for it. In our
country, population has exploded and is a headache.So the problem is where to settle those
extra citizens.Here the the land is limited, one good solution is removing those old buildings
which occupy large space and construct tall and thin modern buildings. Also, modern
buildings usually have simple structure so that they can be finished in less time, compared to
the traditional ones. As a result, modern buildings are more efficient and through this it is
possible to fulfill the large demand of houses currently. Also, as modern buildings are built
with advanced technologies , people can have more security when living in such environment.
But, there are many people who still recommend the traditional style. Unlike the modern style
which can be seen everywhere, traditional buildings represent unique culture that only exist in
certain countries. In this way, those building can be built for special use like tourist
attractions. This will bring a great profit and make the country more famous. Also, buildings
which are traditional shows the past history and the ancient scenes. As a result of this, some
new buildings are necessary to be built in traditional style but not all the buildings.
‘Some people think all the new buildings should be built in traditional style? Modern
buildings generally use steel, where the interior columns carry most of the loading. As this
type of construction is lighter per floor, they can be built higher, cheaper, and quicker.
What are the differences between ancient and modern buildings?
Most ancient buildings has load bearing walls, due to which their height was limited, and so
required the thicker walls.
Also due to this very less window space was given. In fact in today society, one of the
biggest problems is homeless,people not having house, so more and more sky-scrapers are
built instead of traditional buildings. The traditional buildings has more aesthetic and
historical meanings. Compared with the modern buildings, the traditional buildings the
traditional buildings usually provide more spaces to house owners or renters; and makes the
living condition much easier and more comfortable. The number of population living in the
planet are huge then ever.
Can modern and traditional architecture coexist? In today’s world anything is possible
for example Instead of painting beautiful designs on the wall, we can just use wall paper and
it becomes helpful when we want to replace or remove at any time. There is a thin line
between modern architecture and traditional architecture which is Modern architecture main
features are the interiors and traditional architecture focuses more on the external features like
wall facades.
Therefore modern architecture and traditional can definitely coexist. ‘To what extent do
you agree or disagree? Modernity is all about transformation and change in the present
condition and tries to incorporate it in buildings. So, it keeps changing with time. The steel
frame and glass construction which was called ‘modern’ during the early 20th century is now
no longer modern today.
Traditional and modern architecture is different more than just style. The technique and
materials used in the structure of the buildings are also a bit different

In Modern buildings glass and steel are used and traditional architecture uses the
materials like brick, stone, and wood. 

Different technologies are used when working with differing materials, combining both
modern and traditional architecture requires dedication, patience, and skill.

Also there are some materials which has different advantages and disadvantages in
climate and environments.So climates cannot be ignored.

how both modern and traditional architecture can coexist

 When modern design is combined with traditional architecture, the results are bold. The
contrast between the old and new often creates a look that borders on surreal. 

Occasionally architects are given the opportunity to add modern extensions on to older
buildings. When this happens, the results can be both captivating and dreamlike. 

For a great example of this, take a look at the Dresden Museum in Germany: 

In this picture we can see the classical Architecture with round and ornamentation
commbines with sharp and sleek modern Architecture.
This Architecture can be viewed different by different people.For some it is a great way
to expand the boundaries of design and style.For others it is insult of classical structures and the
architects that designed them. According to these people traditional buildings should be preserved and
not tampered.

The Middle Ground 

Creating modern, decorative structures near or around traditional buildings is a great way to
increase the beauty of classical design without tampering.

If a property needs more functional space, newly constructed modern structures can be built on the
property in a way that is addition to the older, pre-established buildings that sit on the land. 

If you want the best of both worlds, but are worried about the contrast between the old and new
being too stark, you can invite balance into the new space by using warm colors, and softer designs
within the interior of the space. 
 Balancing the modern and traditional in this way usually results in a great overall feel that invites
sense uninviting.

Bridging the Gap 

 

Older buildings often need repair, and when that is the case, it is typically more economical to
incorporate modern architecture principles than it is to do a historically accurate remodel.  

Most of the time, talented architects are able to do a great job of this! The key is to do it tastefully
and artfully so that the mismatch adds something to the visual appeal of the building rather than just
looking out of place. 

For some great examples of how it can be done tastefully, check out this compilation put together
by Architectural Digest. 

Integrating Modern and Traditional in New

Structures 
  

As mentioned in the introduction, building new structures that combine the elements of the old and
modern can get tricky – but it can nonetheless be done! 

Building in this way allows home and business owners to create spaces that integrate everything
that they like about older styles with the added convenience of modern amenities. 

As an example, older stone homes typically have small windows and allow very limited light into a
space. By designing a new construction that mimics that old stone building style, large glass
windows can be worked into the building to give the property owner the best of both worlds.

Integrating Modern and Traditional in New

Structures 
 

As mentioned in the introduction, building new structures that combine the elements of the old and
modern can get tricky – but it can nonetheless be done! 

Building in this way allows home and business owners to create spaces that integrate everything
that they like about older styles with the added convenience of modern amenities. 

As an example, older stone homes typically have small windows and allow very limited light into a
space. By designing a new construction that mimics that old stone building style, large glass
windows can be worked into the building to give the property owner the best of both worlds.

WAYS ON FUSION OF TRADITION AND MODERNITY IN ARCHITECTURE

DESIGN
Modern architecture is created from tradition. When the time and climate changes then
the tradition also changes. From this changing of time and climate some new development
occurs and we say it modernity.So we can say that tradition is the past and as modernity is
developed from tradition, which means because of tradition modern development occurs. So
we should always consider tradition when dealing with modernity in architecture.
MODERNIZATION OF REGIONALARCHITECTURE
The tradition of any place depends on the traditional culture of that place, occupation of
the people, their lifestyle, culture at that time,technology present,financial situation etc. But
we cannot rely on traditional Architecture because it lacks many features like earth quake
proof and fireproofing.
Also it lacks very basic features like poor ventilation and sunlight. As the humans are
developing so their living standard are also developing which is making people to have higher
and more complicated requirements of architecture. Traditional regional architecture is not
able to meet these increasing demands, so we need to upgrade the traditional architecture and
not completely ignore it. We should consider the positive things of traditional regional
architecture that are more valuable and is needed by present people. To fulfil the additional
requirements we need to do ‘organic renewal’ of traditional architecture so that the regional
feature of the place is maintained, and also help to solve the previous issues.
Architects should combine the ‘energy conservation’ design in traditional houses with
the help of modern technology to do the necessary improvements, giving new scope to
architecture having traditional characteristics. Architects should combine the development in
different cultures worldwide, learn and experience architectural culture from other countries
and regions. On the other hand, architects should protect India’s architectural cultural
heritage, and finding more about local cultural activities.
Creation should be made not only on aesthetics but also consider function,
technology and material which is present in modern architecture and with plane
layout, spatial layout and construction mode of traditional architecture. After
extracting and purifying, the creation should be applied in modern architectural
creation. Traditional architecture should express more modern elements under unified
overall style. Research on adaptability of inside and outside architecture Traditional
regional architecture is an architectural form built by incorporating local natural
environment, humanity factor, culture and history and national features that meets
local material and cultural needs and is full of local people’s wisdom and diligence.
But with the development of economy and understanding of foreign culture, people’s
material and cultural needs have increased 661 gradually. Traditional regional
architecture exposed many defects and shortcomings, such as bad shock resistance,
poor sanitation condition, inadequate ventilation and lighting, etc. If we want to
maintain regional architecture and develop the style and feature of local architecture,
we must use modern science and technology to make changes and innovation in
regional architecture. As the development is fast of society and economy and
population is increasing, spaces and resources are also getting reduced. Regional
architectures have great deficiency on aspects of energy saving and environment
protection, efficient utilization of spaces, etc. In order to improve practicability of
architectures and achieve sustainable development, architects must utilize modern
architectural technology and material to arrange architectural space scientifically and
upgrade using functions of regional architecture. For example, at present China
advocate high-rise housing to save land resources; Wuhan Garden Expo took the
principle of using local materials and repeated usage when choosing building
materials. Integrate advantages of architectures from other regions Architectures from
different regions have different advantages. In the process of global integration,
adaptability and practicability of our architecture can be further enhanced through
learning advantages of architectural design of other regions.
LOCALIZATION OF MODERN ARCHITECTURE
Regional architecture increases the beauty of regional culture in the environment. Both
external and interior decoration of buildings all shows the nation’s cultural spirit, value,
religious belief, artistic standard, social custom, lifestyle, social codes of conduct and other
levels of social life. So the design and creation of architecture should be regional and historic
in nature. People get emotional sense like the sense of their belonging from the form, volume,
space, materials. If we see it in terms of globalization, if we renew the regional architecture it
will increase protection, development and innovation, which helps architects to learn
outstanding architectural culture of various countries and regions, but also protect India’s
excellent heritage of architectural culture.
CONCLUSION
Architectural culture is rooted in local culture Architecture is an achievement of
civilization. When exploring history, modern people can’t be inseparable from the study of
historic buildings; modern architectures can have vitality only by connecting to history and
culture and regarding local culture as an important basis for design and construction.
Modernization of architecture can’t blindly pursue westernization China’s urban construction
benefits a lot through learning architectural science and technology from western developed
countries. It is totally wrong if people purse westernization on architectural style blindly and
equate it with modernization. Essence and connotation of architecture modernization We
advocate nationality of architectural culture, but it doesn’t mean we only pursue to imitate
ancient architecture. It has been found that stiff imitation of ancient buildings has the same
damage to city image as blind westernization. Modern architecture only has one goal—
architecture modernization.