sustainability Article Building the Future on Lessons of Historic Reinforced Concrete Maria Bostenaru Dan Department of Urban and Landscape Design, Faculty of Urbanism, “Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and Urbanism, 010014 Bucharest, Romania;
[email protected] Received: 12 May 2020; Accepted: 20 July 2020; Published: 23 July 2020 Abstract: This contribution presents the way the construction material reinforced concrete was introduced at the beginning of the 20th century, from both the technical (Hennebique system) and the philosophical points of view. The philosophy underlying the use of this material is evident in the theories on finding a language of form corresponding to tectonics, and its dialogue with timber, formulated by certain notable practicing architects of the time across Europe. Not to be neglected are aspects relating to the conservation of material and to interventions carried out over time. In Modernist times, this meant a change from the artistic expression of Art Nouveau. Today, it means technical adaptation. The paper addresses thus sustainability of intervention versus conservation. Keywords: 20th century architecture; historic concrete; conservation 1. Introduction Concrete had existed since the Roman times, but it was Joseph Monier (8 November 1823 Saint-Quentin-La-Poterie–12 March 1906, Paris) who conceived the idea of reinforcing it, showing the idea at the Paris Exhibition 1867. Although reinforced concrete was a new material which spread during the heyday of Modernism, its language of form was sought after during the Art Nouveau period. The new material introduced at the time of Art Nouveau was iron, but the discussion on finding new forms for new materials applied equally to reinforced concrete.