Steel

Versatile metal alloy used for structural and aesthetic purposes in architecture.

Overview

Steel, refined in the 19th century, enables lightweight, high-strength structures with steel framing and cladding.

Core Characteristics

• High strength-to-weight ratio.
• Used in prefabrication and skyscrapers.
• Corrosion-resistant with proper treatment.

Notable Examples

• Eiffel Tower (Paris, 1889, iron lattice).
• Empire State Building (New York, 1931, steel frame).

Architectural Connections

• Modern: Skyscraper enabler.
• Commercial: High-rise buildings.
• Global: Universal use.

Influence and Legacy

Steel, used by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, shaped International Style and modern architecture.

Related Concepts & Architects

Norman Foster (related architect), Structuralism (theory), Truss (element), Structural Expressionism (movement)