Free compositions in contemporary architecture

The article summarizes the features of free compositions based on the experience of modern world architecture, which, together with other methods, bring the scope of possibilities of modern architectural composition beyond traditional principles. It is proposed to divide the architectural compositions according to orderliness into the following classes: ordered composition; free composition; a combination of ordered and free composition. The features of free compositions are considered: complexity, diversity, the absence of a simple and clear regularity of the arrangement of parts. A free composition is perceived as a complex, spatial, diverse collection of parts and surfaces. Peculiarities of perception and awareness of free compositions, which differ from perception and awareness of traditional ordered compositions, are analyzed. Examples of modern buildings created on the basis of free compositions are given. The main trend of modern architecture, where free compositions were introduced, is deconstructivism. However, architects working in other trends and creative approaches also used free compositions. The substantiation of this powerful phenomenon, realized in significant buildings, is based on the creativity of such modern architects as: Günter Behnisch, Frank Gehry, Toyo Ito, Rem Koolhaas, Daniel Libeskind, Eric Owen Moss, Thom Mayne, Wolf Dieter Prix, Zaha Hadid etc. An approximate generalization of methodical approaches to the creation of free compositions is proposed: free compositions based on a combination of various volumes; free compositions based on the combination of various fragments of surfaces; free compositions based on complex surfaces with various sections; physically variable free compositions (transformation of facade systems or parts of the building); illusory and variable free compositions (media facades installed on surfaces or external projection systems, holographic systems); free compositions based on the use of means of alternative materiality (transparent surfaces, mirror surfaces, light forms, forms from streams of water or steam, etc.).