THE CROSS CULTURAL CENTER

SPRING 2014

Thisstudio aims to explore the concept of character in architecture, both within the framework of architecture with character as well as architecture as character(s).

The Cross-Cultural Center explores the expanded perspective of seeing two sides of things through the use of mirroring and reflection.  The interior and exterior of the building are composed by using two mirrored symbolic axes, which literally and metaphorically “cross” each other at specific moments.

The pattern is allowed to deviate when the axes hit each other or the envelope.  Here, two logics cross each other to create a new logic, and collage is used at these specific moments to underline their interaction.  Through repetition along these two mirrored axes, the framework is constructed upon which users are encouraged to engage with the grid and also break from its pattern.  The lower half of the center, the theater, uses vertical circulation to take the viewer up and around the stage and into the multi-use mid or “cross” level.  Above, rows of columns run along the two axes between many short floors, in which the program of the museum is crossed with the program of the library.