The first use of Corten for architectural designs dates back to 1964 thanks to the architect Eero Saarinen with the John Deere World Headquarters in Illinois.

The primary characteristic is to protect itself from electrochemical corrosion, also called "atmospheric steel", through the formation of a compact passivating surface patina, made up of the oxides of its alloy elements, such as to interrupt and prevent the progressive extension of the corrosion; this film varies in tone over time and usually has a brown tint, this can be considered an index of customization of the project.

Corten is highly appreciated by contemporary architects for its strong expressive character, but also because it blends harmoniously with other materials: concrete, stone materials, wood, making up for design needs and different languages thanks to the various types of processing to which it can be subjected: forging, bending, drawing, machining, cutting, welding.

One of the main applications is that of facade cladding. Cor-Ten facade cladding is versatile for any type of structure. Used as a modular element for the cladding of an external facade, whose oxidizing finish, in continuous evolution, and the peculiarities of self-protection against the weather, make the material particularly attractive for many designers.
Cor-Ten steel is a material characterized by durability and high performance, requires minimal maintenance and is a 100% recyclable material.

“[…] today Corten is used and treated in the same way as coverings, Gottfried Semper reminds us,” writes Francesco Dal Co, director of Casabella.

In fact, for example, in St. Petersburg the architect Sergei Tchoban clad the facade of a seven-story office complex with a structure designed by corrugated panels of Corten steel that create a woven effect.

In TrackDesign with TrackID (for architecture) and TrackU (for street furniture) there is continuous research and experimentation with this material, which borders on furnishing elements, such as tables, chairs, bookcases in Corten, which are proposed for modern homes, bringing back the "industrial style" design which has seen, in recent years, the re-birth of lofts, homes and premises created in spaces once used for productive use.
«Corten has an aesthetic value that I have no difficulty defining as absolute» writes the architect. Romulus Tancred. «It does not change over time (except in the early stages of "seasoning") and this places it "outside" of time».