April 2009

^japanese_craft_construction - flickr/cc license
In the outskirts of Tokyo, this university library is designed to be a place where cross-disciplinary events and collaboration can occur. The sloping site provided inspiration for a structure wide arches through which users could permeate freely.

The concrete receives a steel cladding on the exterior but remain bare inside, creating flowing sculptural forms. Spaces are delineated according to where these slender arches meet the floor. The structure provides lighting beyond the plentiful daylighting with simple circular fixtures.

Evoking the architecture of medieval celebrations of study and learning, architect Toyo Ito uses a graceful and light touch with poignant meaning. The detailing articulates the spaces from there.

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^japanese_craft_construction - flickr/cc license

^Masashige MOTOE - flickr/cc license

4/2/09

^yellow book - flickr/cc license
The Fondation Beyeler near Zürich opened in 1998. Designed by Renzo Piano, it shows restraint for an environmental scale and magnificent views.

The warm red brick meets water and green landscaping. Above this, glazing and steel seems to float and gesture the artist to the heavens.

Once inside, the visitor is met by a clean and white interior. For the floors, Piano uses warm wood textures, and natural sunlight stream through the gridded ceiling.

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