Like Wire Mesh: Steel Perforations That Create A Dramatic Play Of Shadow And Light

With the dawn of modern architecture, traditional buildings materials like brick and wood were traded in for steel—a defining characteristic of the movement. Steel not only provided a flame-resistant structure in place of wood, but its sturdy properties enabled minimalist construction defined by the open plan. Combined with glass panels, steel was crucial to some of the most famous minimalist structures, like Mies van der Rohe's Crown Hall, and in the construction of skyscrapers, like Minoru Yamasaki's original World Trade Center towers. While steel most often used in the basic structure of buildings, its sleek appearance has been embraced for use on exterior façades. More recently, architects have experimented with steel as an outer shell, by designing small perforations into the materials. Like wire mesh, perforated steel brings both an intricate design to the façade, while providing shading to interior rooms from direct sunlight. Not to mention, these small perforations create a dramatic play of shadow and light within buildings. Check out the coolest buildings that incorporate perforated steel as both a design and structural element. Maison Escalier by Moussafir Architectes, Paris, France House ...