TRENDS IN BUILDING ARCHITECTURE - ACP Facades and the Age of Eco-Architecture Thanks to the advert of the PC and the internet, things have changed dramatically over the last two decades or so. Since the time of the pyramids in ancient Egypt, buildings have always been an expression of our culture and technical supremacy.

Over the past few years, there has been a growing trend of putting premium on what is called green construction and the popularity is increasing.

There is also a trend which shows that there is an increase in pressure on government and private construction firms to produce more eco-friendly and sustainable buildings.

Although green buildings cost a little more than the standard counterparts, companies show readiness to pay extra for the sake of good publicity. When we talk about the changing faces of our city architecture, it is about more than the new metal blends available for prefabricated materials. It is about the design and the efficiency of modern building techniques.

Prior to World War II modern architecture was largely concerned with characteristic images of being light, airy and cheerful. But by the early thirties this was felt to be limited. Its range was broadened by the introduction of natural materials like the stone wall and by effects of rustically contrasted with the elegance of new, technically refined materials.

Then the trends led to preoccupation with mass, weight, rough textures and deliberate crude workmanship.

Contemporary buildings are designed to be noticed and to overawe. Some feature concrete structures wrapped in glass or aluminium screens (aluminium composite panels) and with symmetric facades. A growing tendency in the 21st century is eco-architecture.

These are buildings with features that conserve heat and energy and at times produce their own energy through solar cells and windmills.

Some buildings integrate gardens, green walls and green roots into their structures. Other features include the use of wood and recycled materials.

There are some unusual materials also which are recycled for use in eco-architecture, like denim from old blue jeans for insulation and panels made from paper flakes, bakes earth, flax or coconut or even bamboo.