What is the Avant-garde in Architecture?

In “The History of Architecture: From the Avant-Garde Towards the Present” (2021) by Luigi Prestinenza Puglisi highlights the work of Ken Yeang, in eco-friendly building design and sustainable architecture.

Ken Yeang’s Contribution (Page 354):

In 1987, Yeang introduced Tropical Urban Regionalism, challenging the International Style, which ignored local climates and environmental diversity. He argued that buildings must adapt to their ecological context, rather than remain inert, energy-intensive structures.

Key Concepts are:

1. Environmental Filters:

Buildings are designed to interact with external and internal microclimates.

They act as responsive ecosystems that optimize energy use and enhance comfort.

2. Intelligent Buildings:

Information technologies enable buildings to receive data from their surroundings, activating strategies to regulate climate and resources.

3. Dynamic and Organic Design:

Yeang envisioned a future where buildings react like organic systems, reducing energy waste and creating harmonious environments.

By redefining architecture to incorporate nature-based solutions and local adaptability, Ken Yeang has influenced a global shift toward regenerative and sustainable design. His work remains pivotal in balancing human society, technology, and nature in the built environment.