This days the use of concrete and reinforced concrete structures in construction is common. Their widespread use has been made possibleby the achievements of engineers and architects ofpast centuries. The authors consider the main defining stages of development of concrete and reinforced concrete structures and their widespread popularization in the world. A consistent historicaloverview of the development of structural forms of reinforced concrete in residential and non-residential buildings was made. Numerous examples illustrate the path of development of reinforced concrete structures - from strut-beam systems to curvilinear spatial forms.The works of prominent civil engineers and architects are considered: F. Gennebique, M. Kenneth, O. Perre, R. Mayar, D. Mate Trucco, V. Bonade Bottino, R. Piano, E. Fressine, M. Berg, G. Trauer, E. Torroha, P. Luigi Nervi and others [2,13, 15].The article analyzes the development of architecture, building structures and construction technologies in the crucial phases of historical development based on the use of architectural research,which is based on the analysis of objective features of buildings and structures, namely their functional purpose and design capabilities. The experience of designing and construction of unique constructionswith large-span coverings, the search for rationalconstructive decisions are traced, recommendations for the further perspective development of reinforced concrete designs are given.

The widespread use of metal structures in construction became possible thanks to the work of architects and engineers of past centuries. The authors considered the main defining stages in the development of metal as a building material. A consistent historical review of the development of metal constructive forms in public buildings is presented. Numerous examples illustrate the path of development of metal structures - from post-and-beam systems to curvilinear spatial forms. The works of outstanding civil engineers and architects are considered: T. Pritchard, T. Payne, R. Burdon, T. Telford, V. Louis, A. Labrust, D. Paxton, C. Fox, G. Eiffel, I.V. Shwedler, D. Roebling and others. The development of architecture, building structures and construction technologies in decisive historical phases is analyzed. The method of architectural research was used, based on the analysis of objective features of buildings and structures, namely their functional purposes and design capabilities. The defining stages of the introduction and widespread use of metal structures in the practice of design and construction are investigated. The experience of designing and building unique structures with large-span coatings, rational design solutions is summarized, recommendations are given for the further promising development of metal structures.