Use of aluminium and glass facades in urban architecture

Abstract

As an element of structural and material solutions, aluminium and glass façades are the mainstay of urban architecture; they are especially used in public utility buildings. The article provides a review of architectural styles and trends of the 20th century, when exterior elevations began to take the form of aluminium and glass façades. It illustrates the main architectural trends of urban architecture in the 20th century and their evolution throughout the years. Furthermore, it specifies and refers to the architecture of the 20th and 21st centuries in Kraków and presents selected public utility buildings which have become an integral part of architecture in this city.