Page 16 - Between light and shade
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between light and shade, TRANSPARENCy and reflection

   Following a major transformation in the way
of producing buildings from the 19th century
onwards, modern construction is no longer
entirely governed by the constants of Vitruvian
theory. The discoveries and inventions that regu-
larly appear thereby incrementally define a set
of “constructional variables”, which the techni-
cal community strives to define, document and
schedule: performances, materials in line with
their form and nature, construction elements
and even functional programmes 6.

   Furthermore, in line with changes in society,
these technological transformations generate
an ever increasing body of legal and normative
texts; these interact in various ways with the
“constructional variables” originating from the
building sector itself, to contain them, direct
them or drive them. Given their legal value, they
are of prime importance but are, most often,

    on the art of building), Brussels, Mardaga Editeur,
    1999 ; or even Principes de construction à l’usage de
    mes étudiants et collaborateurs (Principles of construc-
    tion for use by students and colleagues), April 1997*
    (* e-book from www.samynandpartners.com).
6	  The SfB classification system, developed in Sweden (Samar-

    betskommittén för Byggnadsfragor), has been recommended
    by the International Council for Building Research, Studies
    and Documentation since 1959. It has been applied in England
    under the name Ci/SfB since 1968 and the Centre d’Informa-
    tion et de Documentation du Bâtiment published the French
    version — Si/SfB — in 1973. It is extremely efficient and allows
    data to be filed and processed on computer; for drawings, texts
    and figures.

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