Prada
Herzog and deMuron, Tokyo
2003
Herzog and deMuron's design for the Prada store in Tokyo is fascinating because the facade appears to always change. The outer structure of the building is made up of a geometric design consisting of concave, convex, and flat diamond shapes. All glass, the building is complete transparent and markets the Prada merchandise easily.
As mentioned in my title "ever-changing facade" the building looks different during the nighttime and day. During the day part of the class is highly transparent while other parts are reflective. People outside can see themselves or the reflection of the city. At night, the window panes can also function as a screen. Lights and video can be projected to the surfaces to create shows or as advertisement.
What fascinated me most about the diamond facade is the use of the shapes as more than windows. The shape supports the roofs of the structure. In addition the space created by these windows have been used as changing rooms, cash registers, and even full-length mirrors. I appreciate how the architects were able to carry the facade inside the space rather than making it a simple texture.
The shape of the door is an enlargement of the same geometry. A combination of 4 diamonds, it is a captivating way to enter the store while still having the same language as the rest of the structure. If the building had a rectangular door the strength of the texture would have been weakened.
As mentioned in my title "ever-changing facade" the building looks different during the nighttime and day. During the day part of the class is highly transparent while other parts are reflective. People outside can see themselves or the reflection of the city. At night, the window panes can also function as a screen. Lights and video can be projected to the surfaces to create shows or as advertisement.
What fascinated me most about the diamond facade is the use of the shapes as more than windows. The shape supports the roofs of the structure. In addition the space created by these windows have been used as changing rooms, cash registers, and even full-length mirrors. I appreciate how the architects were able to carry the facade inside the space rather than making it a simple texture.
The shape of the door is an enlargement of the same geometry. A combination of 4 diamonds, it is a captivating way to enter the store while still having the same language as the rest of the structure. If the building had a rectangular door the strength of the texture would have been weakened.
flattened texture of building
voids left behind that would be the window panes
structure that is filled with mirrors, glass, and other elements
texture when curved around a surface
windows are both raised and lowered while some remain completely flat
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