Page 46 - Magazine Azim Print

REFERENCE

LIST

CONCLUSION

What really interests Koolhaas is the reality of the contemporary city; that is the subject of
Mutations , a spectacular exhibition that he has organised which opened last week at the Arc en
Reve in Bordeaux. It is an exploration of the world of shopping malls and airports, of urbanism
Lagos and Shenzen style. The message, delivered in Koolhaas's punchy sound bites, is that we had
better get on with it, and start to deal with such places as they are, rather than as architects would
like them to be. The most commonly used construction materials in his buildings are reinforced
concrete, as it has many beneficial effects in terms of construction. For instance, Reinforced

concrete has a high compressive strength compared to other building materials. Due to the
provided reinforcement, reinforced concrete can also withstand a good amount tensile stress. Fire
and weather resistance of reinforced concrete is fair. The reinforced concrete building system is
more durable than any other building system. Besides that, Koolhas also tends to use facades like
curtain walls as he likes to keep the interior of the building sufficiently lit. Not allowing any space
to be dimmed. Using curtain walls, it can keep the weather out and occupants in, natural lighting is
able to feel the space, giving the users a feel of openness and calmness. From the exterior, glazing
effect can be seen, giving the buildings a whole modern look, attracting passers by to take another

closer look at his buildings.

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