Archinect - News

Modular design revolution behind Crystal Palace construction revealed

2024-09-19T14:43:00-04:00

The Crystal Palace was not only a marvel of Victorian ingenuity but also a symbol of Britain’s embrace of industrial progress and modernity, reflecting the nation’s aspirations on the world stage

The Guardian reports that the mystery of how the Crystal Palace was built in just 190 days has been solved, crediting the success to a highly innovative building process. Joseph Paxton, the architect, employed a modular design using prefabricated iron and glass components, which were mass-produced in factories. The building's structure relied on standardized parts, such as cast-iron columns and girders, which were quickly assembled on-site. This efficient, industrial approach reduced construction time significantly. Additionally, the design’s use of lightweight materials and the repetition of simple units allowed for fast and precise assembly, revolutionizing construction techniques and setting a precedent for future large-scale architectural projects.

Norman Foster proposes pop-up UK Parliament building inspired by Crystal Palace

2020-08-24T12:29:00-04:00

Architect Norman Foster is reviving a plan for creating expansive temporary facilities to be used by the parliament of the United Kingdom while the Palace of Westminster undergoes significant restoration.

The £300 million proposal calls for a erecting an amorphous, 151-meter-long glass-wrapped temporary structure in the Horse Guards Parade adjacent to the existing houses of parliament. The four story structure, which would include 650 offices as well as detailed replicas of the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and other significant interior spaces, is designed to be taken down and re-used once the renovations to the historic structure have run their course.

Previously on Archinect: UK Parliament renovations uncover 360-year-old hidden passage. View of the UK Houses of Parliament. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons / Maurice.

Inspired by the Crystal Palace, the temporary Parliament would be topped by a cast iron and plate glass panel dome spanning over an interior roof garden stu...

Plans to rebuild Crystal Palace likely shattered

2015-02-26T12:59:00-05:00

Plans for a replica Crystal Palace have suffered a set back after a south London council pulled out of negotiations with a Chinese developer. ZhongRong Group wants to rebuild Crystal Palace, which burnt down in 1936, but has failed to meet a deadline set by the council to produce plans.

London Crystal Palace shortlist boasts six of the UK’s top architects

2014-02-26T20:27:00-05:00

London's iconic Crystal Palace just moved one step closer to its magnificent resurrection with the announcement of six shortlisted design teams, all vying to rebuild The Crystal Palace and the surrounding public park as a major landmark.

The list of selected architects to move on to the next competition stage reads like a who's who in British architecture:

David Chipperfield Architects
Grimshaw
Haworth Tompkins Architects
Marks Barfield Architects
Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners
Zaha Hadid Architects with Anish Kapoor

Plans to recreate the Crystal Palace are as jingoistic as a Gove history lesson

2013-07-30T05:05:00-04:00