The material as a stimulus for designing action: The GRC as a model in contemporary Iraqi practice

Abstract

The architectural field has always represented an area where the potential of the materials that simulate the spirit of its time based on the architect designer’s understanding of these materials, their precise properties and their characteristics that influenced the making of creative architectural modules, the latest one known as GRC The research problem specified as “The Lack of clear conception about what the GRC material is and its effect on the designing action both in its intellectual and applicable aspects in the development of the contemporary architecture”. The goal of the research is to define the aspects of the GRC and to bring into view their indicators and level of influence on contemporary architecture. The research defined its method of work by examining the concept of G.R.C and its practical applications in the global practice to build the theoretical frame then tests it on selected Iraqi samples . The research concludes that the local experiment proved the architect understands of the GRC conception and its applicable methods on developing contemporary designing methods aimed at renovation and to stay clear of stereotypical and traditional pattern especially those related to designing the facades but the influence was directed at most towards implementing the aesthetic considerations at the expense of functional and performance considerations..