PROJECT 3: Art Gallery - Precedents/Interesting Architecture

The Giorgio Armani stores by Claudio Silvestrin struck me the most. They are very elegant, modern and neutral in their design. They exhibit grandeur – but within a confined interior space, which I thought was highly interesting as I usually relate the word ‘grandeur’ to the exterior of a building – perhaps should it be described as ‘solemn’ (it is a “celebration” of art, it is ‘ceremonious’). Other keywords that come to mind: impressive, awe, inspiring, ceremonial. Although the Giorgio Armani stores appear ‘neutral’ and ‘autonomous’, they are somewhat very expressive and can be subtly perceived as works of art themselves. The lighting used was also very appealing and set a definite transcendent mood. Materials used: limestone, ebony.















Another building that grabbed my attention was the ‘Y House’ by Japanese architect Kei ‘Ichi Irie. The main reason was due to the heavy use of concrete that he used throughout the house. This reflects the Japanese approach to architecture in terms of ‘lightness’, ‘simplicity’ and ‘precision’. These are relevant keywords to note. The interior is composed of slightly, angled walls which gives the entire house a whole new dimension. It is reminiscent of Minimalist architecture – a style I highly admire. The building is not big in size, but the Minimalist approach has given the illusion that the space is vast. Materials: concrete, steel (stairs).

















Stone Museum - Kengo Kuma: the layering of the stone turned into slats to enable small openings was astute in allowing the interesting passage of light as well as the elegant overall structure. This is actually slightly reflected in the current structure on my site (as mentioned before). He also focused on the idea of ‘lightness’ via two means: use of stone as slats of stone and hollowing portions of a solid wall.














Murcia Town Hall - Rafael Moneo: its façade is quite interesting, the window openings create this rhythmic pattern, providing dynamism to the overall composition, hence allowing the public to metaphysically interact with it.