EXPT3 --- MASH UP

The fluid geometry evokes a sense of peace and serenity. A transition from jagged geometry of Tod's Omotesando in Tokyo, to the organic cellular structure of Sendai Mediatheque suggests a curvilinear alternation in Tokyo Ito ‘s design.  In Le Corbusier's Mill Owner's Association building in Ahmedabad, India, the distinction between structure, service and activity is clear. Now Ito has proclaimed his commitment to the 'emerging grid', a concept he has defined as a 'transformation of standardized rigidity into fluid organic space ... that signals endless new possibilities interrelating architecture and people'. Here the structure and services are integrated in one and take on an organic life of their own, as do the freely planned layouts of the various cultural activities. In Tod's Omotesando, nine overlapping concrete tree branches are load-bearing elements and surface treatment all in one. "Trees are organisms that stand by themselves, so their shape has an inherent, structural rationality," explains Ito. The core has been liberated in Sendai Mediatheque. Each tree provides vertical transportation for people, light, air, sound, or power. Big trees at the corners brace the building, encasing the fire-escape stairs. In the trees along the sunny side of the building, lifts transport people. Air rises from the underground plant though tubes that branch out into the floor plates: boilerhouse mechanical meets Bladerunner biomorphic.

Webb, Michael. 2007. "ORGANIC EMBRACE." Architectural Review 222, no. 1326: 74-77. Art & Architecture Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed June 10, 2013). http://web.ebscohost.com.wwwproxy0.library.unsw.edu.au/ehost/detail?sid=1c65799f-95ff-435d-8f9f-b933d4534596%40sessionmgr11&vid=2&hid=20&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=vth&AN=26357762

Pollack, Naomi R. 2005. "Toyo Ito fuses structure and wrapper in a network of concrete trees at the new TOD'S OMOTESANDO BUILDING in Tokyo." Architectural Record 193, no. 6: 79-85. Business Source Premier, EBSCOhost (accessed June 10, 2013). http://dd8gh5yx7k.search.serialssolutions.com/?ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&ctx_enc=info%3Aofi%2Fenc%3AUTF-8&rfr_id=info:sid/summon.serialssolutions.com&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:journal&rft.genre=article&rft.atitle=Toyo+Ito+fuses+structure+and+wrapper+in+a+network+of+concrete+trees+at+the+new+TOD%27S+OMOTESANDO+BUILDING+in+Tokyo&rft.jtitle=Architectural+Record&rft.au=Naomi+R.+Pollock%2C+AIA&rft.date=2005-06-01&rft.issn=0003-858X&rft.volume=193&rft.issue=6&rft.spage=78&rft.externalDBID=GARR&rft.externalDocID=1076909421&paramdict=en-US

"Fruits of the Forest." Building Design (Feb 23, 2001): 14-14. http://search.proquest.com.wwwproxy0.library.unsw.edu.au/docview/274386069?accountid=12763#center