Emerging out of nature to dissolve back into it

This project is by architects Höweler + Yoon, a studio that pays particular attention to the context in which its work is placed to ensure a powerful dialogue between the two. This is sometimes sustained by striking, dynamically expressive, often articulated structures, at others, by cleverly devised “fluid” forms: complex, curving geometries with no flat façades.

A pointed example is the Double Vault bridge south of Chengdu, China, linking the residential and commercial areas on the river’s west bank with the picturesque landscape on the east side. The traditional bridge arch has been here remodeled to fit the specific site conditions and allow the passage of boats. The resultant asymmetrical structure creates an unusual, highly expressive, two-vaulted crossing. Another example is the extension of The Coolidge, a much-loved art house movie theater and one of the few Art-Déco venues left in Boston. The new, 1,300-sq. m expansion adds two new theaters, an open community space, and a new lobby. The designers have successfully amalgamated the styles of the existing building and its contemporary counterpart with an interesting, innovative façade system. Also significant is the Lithos Wellness Center project in Chengdu, a bold structure where extended cantilevers create large, iconic, Boolean-shaped spaces.

The founders of Höweler + Yoon are very research-oriented, both holding important academic positions. Eric Höweler is a professor at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, where he teaches architectural design with a focus on the integration of technology and design. His studio partner and co-founder, architect and educator, J. Meejin Yoon, is Dean of the College of Architecture, Art and Planning of the prestigious Cornell University, and was previously head of the Department of Architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Understandably, therefore, their...

Proceed with your preferred purchase option to continue reading

Digital

5.49 €

Add to cart

Printed

15.00 €

Add to cart

Subscription

From 42.00 €

Choose subscription