Monday, September 7, 2009

Expressed Structure

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This modern three-story building in Aix-en-Provence perfectly illustrates the architectural concept of expressed structure. The sloping columns and braces provide both the gravity and lateral support for the structure. The structure is cast-in-place concrete. I found it interesting that they chose not to use spandrel beams at the building perimeter. It must have been a challenge to design the intersecting columns, braces and slab such that there was still enough room between rebars to properly cast the concrete.
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2 comments:

Sunny said...

Hello, nice post. Do you know the author of the building? or its function?

Ken said...

Sorry, I do not know the designer of this building. Judging from the finishing within, it appears to be an administrative building for the adjacent theater. There may be ticketing kiosks on the first floor and offies on the upper floors.