Metal and material fabrication have long been at the heart of architectural innovation, enabling designers to push boundaries and create structures that inspire awe and admiration. From the sleek shimmer of titanium to the timeless elegance of bronze, the thoughtful application of materials can transform a building from a functional space into a work of art. Across the globe, iconic landmarks stand as testaments to the marriage of advanced fabrication techniques and visionary design, showcasing how different materials can shape both form and function.
In this article, we explore some of the most notable examples of material fabrication in architecture, highlighting how specific metals and materials have defined these groundbreaking structures. Each project demonstrates the unique potential of its chosen medium: whether it’s copper, fiberglass, or even polyethylene, these materials have not only elevated the aesthetics of these buildings but also redefined the possibilities of modern architecture.
Titanium: Guggenheim Museum Bilbao (Bilbao, Spain)
Considered one of the most important architectural works of the past half-century, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, built by renowned architect Frank Gehry, has a floral form composed mainly of titanium. Titanium was chosen due to a lack of toxicity, as well as its resistance to heat and the elements. The 33,000 titanium plates that make up the exterior are arranged in scales on a galvanized steel structure. Their lamination process was very delicate, with each titanium plate being cut to 0.016 inches in thickness. A term labeled the “Bilbao effect”, referring to the economic and cultural revitalization of cities through iconic, innovative architecture, comes from this building.
Bronze: World War II Memorial (Washington, D.C., United States)
The national memorial to Americans who served during World War II has many custom bronze fabrications. Bronze eagles and wreaths lie underneath its triumphal arches. As well as this, 24 bronze relief panels tell the story of the war across the memorial.
Copper and Stainless Steel: Vessel (New York City, United States)
The Vessel has quickly become one of the most well-known architectural marvels of New York City since opening in 2019. The honeycomb-like structure is composed mostly of wrapping flights of stairs and landings, each clad in copper, giving the structure its signature color.
Polyethylene: Water Cube (Beijing, China)
The National Aquatics Center in Beijing, one of the world’s main swimming centers for the Olympics, has a steel space frame clad in pillows of ETFE, a form of polyethylene. The largest ETFE-clad structure in the world, the building is covered in over 100,000 meters of polyethylene pillows that are only 1/125 of an inch thick. Polyethylene was chosen since it allows more light and heat penetration than traditional glass, decreasing the facility’s energy costs by 30%.
Multiple Materials: Denver International Airport (Denver, United States)
The largest airport in the western hemisphere by land area, and the second largest in the world, the Denver International Airport is home to a host of interesting custom material fabrications. The Jeppesen Terminal’s internationally recognized peaked roof, resembling snow-capped mountains and Native American teepees, is made of teflon-coated fiberglass. Various sculptures made of different materials are present at the airport as well. A bronze statue of Apollo 13 pilot Jack Swigert is present, as well as the famous Blue Mustang, a fiberglass sculpture of a bright blue horse with glowing red eyes.
Looking to Bring Iconic Designs to Life?
Custom Precision Technologies specializes in working with all the materials mentioned in this article, including titanium, bronze, stainless steel, copper, and even advanced polymers like polyethylene. With cutting-edge fabrication techniques and a commitment to precision, CPT is equipped to bring your visions to reality. Contact us today at 954-975-5518 or visit our website to see how we can support your next groundbreaking project.