Scholarly record

LOW IS MORE? USER-ORIENTED INNOVATION IN LOW - TECH ARCHITECTURE

K. Zalewski, A. Gil

Abstract

From the 1990s we have been dealing with a shift of paradigms in architecture. This occurs in a number of directions - but their common denominator is the abandonment of the classical Vitruvius triad – moving form stability to temporariness, from statics to variability, from function objects to scenarios played in time. One of the results of these changes became strengthening of a new species of architecture - architecture of low costs - so called low-tech. It was created as a result of the growing need for financial control of investments combined with ecological awareness. These issues are obvious and well known. Main theme of this article is different: can low-tech architecture, despite its pro-economic orientation, carry a positive value for the shaping of public space and comfort, for intellectual and mental stimulation of the user? Is it only 'ersatz' architecture acting like a "replacing package" of architecture? Will the new directions such as temporariness and variability become the new "game-changer"? Analysis of examples of projects, own and world implementation shows that despite situating low-tech architecture in entourage of savings and economics, the designer's right attitude and approach to designing issues can muster solutions that are far beyond the basic functions, as well as can stimulate innovation. Authors by positioning the trend in the context of current economic, cultural and social issues, and in the context of selected elements of the theory of architecture (high-tech, temporality, event-architecture, virtual architecture, information architecture) consider the possibility of introducing innovations in designing process and in technical solutions that take into account such issues such as: user friendliness, quality of life, positive impact on emotional and spiritual aspect of man, the aesthetic and spatial quality.

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