As more of Moneo’s projects are analyzed, there is a key characteristic that stands out: a deep respect for the site’s context. Every project is well thought and executed, with a conceptual approach that is rarely obvious at first glance. Despite its industrial façade, The Northwest Corner Building at the University of Columbia’s campus in New York is by no means an exception to Moneo’s standards. Besides possessing a strong architectural concept, the building also employs structural solutions and methods. Because of this, Moneo’s Northwest Corner Building is a valuable example of architectural innovation.
Before diving into the project’s vision, the fact that the building itself is an intervention cannot be ignored. University of Columbia’s campus, designed by McKim, Mead & White, was originally visualized as a pedestrian enclosure comprised by a series of academic buildings with a homogeneous appearance. Respecting this vision, Moneo sought to design a building that would respect these parameters. Moreover, he faced the challenge of designing the project on top of an existing structure: a historical gymnasium. The bridge between gym and scientific building suggests an interdisciplinary quality that is also reinforced by the variety of scientific activities occurring within the space. In this instance, the building’s program itself establishes technology as the conceptual force behind the project.
The building’s structure is comprised of a trusses; most interestingly, along the fascade of the building. Such a feat was made possible with the assistance of structure-generating software and numerous simulations. The resulting composition may seem random, but it is interesting to know it stemmed from numerous calculations. Moneo’s architectural application of the scientific method proves that structure and surfacing can be one and the same.
The Northwest Corner Building is also an interesting example of Moneo’s architectural adaptability. A strong technological concept that echoes the space’s academic function is expressed through the building’s materiality and structure. Using contemporary technologies, the design process for the Northwest Corner Building is an experiment that yields an innovative result. While the project can be analyzed from a scientific and functional angle, the creative aspect behind the building is still present throughout important decisions, primarily in the fascade. Most importantly, the building stays true to Moneo’s architectural approach, albeit in a different way: aided by technology, Rafael Moneo preserved the memory of a space while looking towards the future.
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