DETAIL English 2/2008

Concrete is a contradictory, in some properties even a paradoxical building material. Like no other material it allows us to see how it was made – the mould in which it is cast is imprinted onto the surface, yet its structural composition is concealed within. The desire for livelier forms of expression increases to those offered by perfectly smooth concrete. On the other hand, innovative developments like self-compacting concrete or insulating concrete are illustrative of the potential of this building material. We can look forward to many more interesting new developments in concrete architecture.