Such is the purity of the architectural expression, that it seems almost transgressive that this building should ever be used. To critically enquire of it, however superficially, seems like an attack on virginal innocence itself.
Architectural purity however, is begotten not from mystic union, but rather from clarity of analysis and unstinting application. Campo Baeza working in collaboration with Pablo Fernández Lorenzo, Pablo Redondo Díez, Alfonso González Gaisán and Francisco Blanco Velasco shows us how. Read more
Images: Ensamble Studio.
In a world where we have come to regard architecture as lasting 30 – 40 years, this project from 2002 designed by Ensamble Studio, seems to evoke man’s ancient tradition of building and inhabiting space, from rock caves to the ancient ruins of lost civilisations. Stone in architecture seems to connect our very soul to the living rock of the earth.
This music school, with its rough split stone, gives permanent form to the equally ancient tradition of making music, a beautiful counter point to the ephemeral qualities of music itself. Read more
Spanish minimalist Fran Silvestre Architects takes advantage of the strong Spanish sunlight to define bold, sculptural cubic forms and a sloping topography that unexpectedly allows daylight to enter the basement of this striking house.
The plan has an “L” shaped configuration that part encloses a pool on two sides leaving open a view over the Sierra Calderona mountains. Read more
The historical archive and library of Husteca in Spain has been renovated to revive an important civic building and institution for the town. The renovation was led by the architects Ana Moron Hernandez, Raymond Bambo Naya and Pedro Lafuente also working with Nuria Montero García. They managed to find a contemporary language that resonates with the historical built fabric.
The highlight and relatively brave design decision, considering the historical context, is a wall made from folded copper that appears as a blank façade, but it also conceals glazing elements behind. It forms a new façade within the original volume of the old building between brick flanking walls. The apparent height of this façade gives the building the aspect of a tower whilst its blank, if pleated, appearance lends a sense of solidity to the proceedings. Read more
Photos: Cerámica Cumella, and Miralle Tagliabue.
I was reminded of this project on the company website of the ceramics manufacturer that worked on it. It was like bumping into an old friend in the street that you have not seen in a while.
The Santa Caterina Market renovation by Miralle Tagliabu dates from 2005. In all its glorious splendour, it is both an inspiration and, I can imagine a little intimidating, for anybody thinking of using this material!
But gather your courage, and let me introduce you to this beautiful creature if you have not already met.
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