Architecture Commons^™

2014 Winter Olympic Stadium, Populous

Building Case Studies

Material of interest: Crystalline skin

The crystalline skin engages with its surroundings by day, and provides iconic representation of the color and spectacle of the games when illuminated at night. It is also a lightweight material.

Soumaya Museum, Lar + Fernando Romero

Building Case Studies

Material of interest: Translucent concrete.

Properties of material: Translucent Concrete filters light and makes spaces feel light and open without sacrificing the material’s structural integrity.

El B Auditorium And Congress Hall, Selgas Cano

Building Case Studies

Material of interest: Polycarbonate tubes, backed by screen

Material used: Steel frame; Transparent methacrylate; Transparent + translucent polycarbonate; Polycarbonate tubes, backed by screen

Properties of material: All the material, both aluminium and plastic, is manufactured from a single extruded section, varied in placement and colour to give the appearance of multiple pieces.

Lace And Fashion International City, Moatti & Riviere

Building Case Studies

Material of interest: Glass silk screen.

Material used: The screen-printed glass wall was developed specifically to embellish the city’s history in lace making

Properties of material: Reinforced glass

Hemeroscopium House By Ensamble Studio, Ensamble Studio, Anton Garcia-Abril

Building Case Studies

Material of interest: Prefabricated concrete beams.

Properties of material: Imposes “lightness” despite the heavy structural beams

Miroiterie Flon, B+W Arechiture Sarl

Building Case Studies

Material of interest: PTFE coated glass fabric outer layer, 3 ply ETFE inner layers

Properties of material: Tensile structure; illumination

Fendi, Peter Marino Architects

Building Case Studies

Material of interest: Textured glass, travertine.

Material used: Crystal Cognac glass with rain texture.

Properties of material: Due to the combination of the material’s texture and a backlight, the hallway glows magnificently.

Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Games Cauldron, Wet Design

Building Case Studies

Material of interest: Laminated glass.

Properties of material: The cauldron is constructed of the Laminated Glass which is a wire-less, fire-resistant glass. If impacted, the glass adheres to the interlayer, reducing risk of injuries to spectators below.

Kunsthal, Office Of Metropolitan Architecture

Building Case Studies

Material of interest: Corrugated plastic panels.

Properties of material: Usually used in industrial settings. Allows a soft light to filter to the interior exhibit spaces while also hiding the street views. Creates a watercolor effect.

Institut Du Monde Arabe, Jean Nouvel

Building Case Studies

Material of interest: Metal panel.

Properties of material: A shifting geometric pattern is formed and showcased as both light and void. Squares, circles, and octagonal shapes are produced in a fluid motion as light is modulated