Architecture is the imaginative blend of art and science of designing buildings and structures. It could also be defined as the manipulation of shapes, forms, space and light to change our environment. In fact, defining architecture is not easy, and probably, each architect has his own preferred definition.
“Architecture is the masterly, correct, and magnificent play of forms under the light.” Le Corbusier (french architect)
One of the most interesting ways to explore cities and architecture is through photography. On a regular, boring day at work, i decided to explore the contemporary architecture in European cities. The series of ‘Contemporary architecture in Europe’ will take you into a photographic journey through contemporary architecture in Europe, considering the cultural, environmental, resources, and contexts differences, and that time has come for the reconciliation of architecture and the world. Around 15 buildings will be included, in Barcelona, Paris, and Amsterdam.
All buildings follow a contemporary international movement, which means that the buildings don’t attempt to attain a specific local architectural identity, using the modern structural construction techniques, services and materials, for example revealing the structure on the outside as well as the inside, with visual emphasis on the internal steel and/or concrete skeletal structure, and additional exposure of mechanical services.
The first project is:
1. Suites Avenue Hotel Renovation in Barcelona by Toyo Ito.
The hotel is located in the glamorous Passeig de Gracia, one of the citys’ finest avenues, in front of Gaudi’s La Pedrera. The organic façade design was inspired by Gaudi’s, and mimic the ocean waves, the renovation was completed in 2009.
There was an argument, which seemed quite reasonable, especially in consideration of the context, with comparisons being made between the wafer-thin steel facade across the street and the massive load-bearing structure on which La Pedrera stood.
The façade consists of waving aluminum sheets, sprayed with a metallic paint containing a pink pearlescent tint. The façade acts like a sculptural mask hiding the real black elevation of the building, and allows the interior spaces be completely open to the outside looking to La Pedrera and at the same time, preserving their privacy.
The screen color changes along the day and also depending on the shooting position, as shown above, and the pattern also changes completely.
I didn’t have the opportunity to enter the hotel and explore the balconies view, but while i was heading to La Pedrera, i caught the reflection of Ito’s design concept right on the facade.
And finally, a detailed shots of the aluminum facade of Toyo Ito’s Avenue Hotel, I liked this facade a lot and definitely it worths the visit.
Radwa Omar . blog 