Reinforced concrete by architect Isi Metzstein

Isi Metzstein

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Reinforced concrete is incredibly versatile and can be used in exactly the same way, all over the world, in any culture.

Using simple materials – sand, cement and a bit of steel - you can create something magnificent; something big and culturally acceptable.

The Romans used concrete but it is only recently that it has been adopted as a material that architects want to use. Reinforcing it with steel has seen the basic material transformed from being a purely engineering-focused material to something that allows for more finesse in design. It has expressive qualities which means it can be used for more than civil engineering projects and bridges.

Now there is a sort of revival for exposing concrete and showing it off - be it in the character created by the timber shuttering or otherwise.