Page 50 - Between light and shade

between light and shade, TRANSPARENCy and reflection

Similarly, the research centres for M & G
Ricerche in Venafro, Italy [01/222, Fig. 40] and
OCAS 40 in Zelzate [01/223, Fig. 41], are reflected
in the pools that surround them (in the case of
the former, they also play a vital role in providing
air-conditioning beneath the tent).

A double skin
The numerous functions that the envelope of a
building needs to perform result in it having a
“thickness” that combines the respective efficien-
cies of the constructive elements.

The thick masonry wall addresses these needs
with numerous features: alcoves, balconies, shut-
ters, loggias, curtains or drapes in its windows;
bands, projecting sills, low reliefs, canopies and
eaves on its solid sections.

They protect and shape the facade, giving it a
human scale and visual depth, aided by the inter-
play of shadows and reflections.

I adopt the same approach for large areas of
transparent glass (ultra-clear, as it should be).
These “open” facades draw the eye inside and, at
first, into the protective depth of the building’s
envelope, an empty space populated by construc-

40 Onderzoek Centrum voor de Aanwending van Staal, on the
Sidmar site.
50