DEEP DECORATION, Nina Rappaport

This piece draws our attention to the design approaches being used currently by some Architects. Nina Rappaport talks about decoration not being a contradiction for a modern Architecture anymore due to the fact that there is a fusion of structure and decoration creating a new spatial effect and a holistic atmosphere; a gradual move away from the approach which has a structural system separate from its cladding. She further analyses these current occurrences under “terms” such as Repetitive Array as Spatial Structure, Exo-skeletal structure and Biomimicry.

Repetitive Array as Spatial Structure: This can be achieved by patterning an overall field or system or relying on the exo-skeleton of structural elements as decoration. These pattern structures are characterized by repetitive geometric elements, organizing into forms that are self-generative.

Exo-skeletal structure: Here, emphases are laid on the exo-skeleton. The most important feature of the building’s exterior is the structure.

Biomimicry: This approach to design is mainly inspired by things in nature such as the interior structures of cells, honey combs, shells and others. Microscopic visual dissections have been carried out on plant life and materials revealing the holistic nature of things such as crystals, where there is no distinction between structure, decoration and the thing itself.

The author finally carries out an appraisal of some buildings designed on the bases of her observations.

Federation Square: Deeper Uses of Pattern and Algorithm: Designed by Peter Davidson of Lab Architecture Studio with Bates smart, the Federation Square in Melbourne, Australia was completed in 2003. The construction employs a system of triangulated fractals for the façade based on the Penrose pinwheel which comprises a set of a-periodic tiles with five-fold symmetry. By using an integrated cladding and structural system to wrap around the building, internal spaces are formed and characterized by the shape of holistic building envelope.

 Federation Square, LAB Architecture Studio, Melbourne, Australia, 2002

Serpentine Pavilion: Building As Structure: The structure is based on a circling placement of twisted squares and their primary lines of force that then wrapped down and around the space, crossing and folding back to form angular forms which were, according to an algorithm. This pattern is based on the action of spiraling squares. The overall patterning of the shell of the space makes the skin and structures one, more similar in concept to a traditional load-bearing wall than to hierarchal systems of separate structure and infill. Pattern and structure are integrated.

Serpentine Pavilion, Toyo Ito Architects and Arup Engineers, London, 2008

Water Cube: Matter And Geometry: The Water Cube focuses on how structure itself fills space, a process closer to that of form-making in solid natural objects such as beehive structures that multiply, as space and as a robust structure. The connection between bubbles is the source of inspiration for this project. The structure finds the surface pattern together with the internal structure creating organic patterns that are both functional and decorative. The repeating cells are randomly distributed and are cut arbitrarily by the building surface planes, creating a non repetitive pattern. 

Beijing National Swimming Center, "The Water Cube," PTW Architects and Arup Engineers, Beijing, 2008