Great Roofs in Contemporary Architecture: The Cases of "Sony Center" and "Mercado de Santa Caterina"

Abstract

This work aim of analyzing the construction techniques applied to roof contemporary, where the shape and structure have an important role in the face of the projects constraints.

The clipping chosen are two projects that has a different structural design, materials and apply new concepts tectonic. The roofing of the Sony Center in Berlin architect Helmuth Jhan and roofing Market Santa Caterine of Enric Miralles in Barcelona.

The methodology employed was the literature reviews, experimentation, site visit and a review of the techniques used in each project. In the Sony Center architect applies concepts from a light coverage, he showed one message of innovation when he applied new materials, Teflon fiberglass membranes.

In Santa Catherine market the architect values tectonic applied in the construction of roofing, values the way plastic roof while retrieves history and local culture. Miralles has a great involvement with the construction techniques, applies a mixed structure in laminated wood and tubular steel, where the structure is evident, and the roof covering was used colorful ceramics, this is referring colors of fruit. Some researchers consider roofing a fifth facade.

The research aims of contributing to the architecture, to extent that new tools had created opportunities to apply shapes and structures on designing new roofs, on the appreciation of models as a form of experimentation and effects on education.