Erasing architecture: the neutralization of the architectural object in the 21st century

Abstract

Many of the most famous and relevant buildings of the 21st century are characterized by being singular, unusual and striking. This widespread way to approach design emphasizes the autonomy of the architectural object at the expense of its ability to build connections with the site. However, in the last years, another architectural paradigm, quite opposite to this one, has gained importance. This other paradigm goes on to neutralize the object, instead of accentuating its presence. The architecture that this paradigm proposes try to go unnoticed, to accept to appear ordinary, and sometimes goes as far as to question the need of its own construction. Nowadays the most commonly used strategies to neutralize the architectural objects are camouflage, anonymity and minimization. The purpose of this article is to explain the characteristics of this paradigm and the reasons of its relevance in contemporary architecture.