"While they are extremely pretty and captivating, the real appreciation lies in the fact that it is hidden. People appreciate geodes because of the contrast between the plain and the extraordinary."
-Joseph Alvernaz
-Joseph Alvernaz
Geode as an architecture
How do you incorporate two different programs together into one cohesive piece of architecture? When designing for both a neurobiological research center and the Re-ligare institute, we drew inspiration from a geode: a shell on the exterior and a light soft interior where the beauty really lies.
The research labs of the neurobiological research center act as a hard shell of the geode. And the Re-ligare situates itself as the crystallized interior of the “geode.” And even further inside is a double story glazed atrium in which the two bars of Re-ligare program intersect (symbolizing the spacious hole in a geode) where people can congregate in the middle of the design and appreciate the beautiful ocean view.
The research labs of the neurobiological research center act as a hard shell of the geode. And the Re-ligare situates itself as the crystallized interior of the “geode.” And even further inside is a double story glazed atrium in which the two bars of Re-ligare program intersect (symbolizing the spacious hole in a geode) where people can congregate in the middle of the design and appreciate the beautiful ocean view.
The Wall system comprises of :
1: louvres as a sunshading device for the glazed wall. They are rusted perforated metal panels.
2: a glazed curtain wall. There is a three feet air space between the end of the floors and the glass wall creating an intriguing space to look down upon.
3: a steel frame system that interlocks with the mullions to hold up the louvres.
2: a glazed curtain wall. There is a three feet air space between the end of the floors and the glass wall creating an intriguing space to look down upon.
3: a steel frame system that interlocks with the mullions to hold up the louvres.
3a: steel I-beams and columns help to support this frame system up
Site Model
Section Model
