One of the most interesting aspects of buildings here is the completely different definition of indoors/outdoors, conditioned space/unconditioned space, and perimeters. This photo shows a completely 'outdoor' or unconditioned, unbounded lobby space, with computers, etc., and 'outdoor' stairways and gathering spaces extending off it. Conditioned spaces are smaller and more defined, such as conference rooms, which are sealed by doors. The perimeter of the building is more defined by an exterior gate at the end of a driveway than by an actual front door. There is no front door at all, but rather a sequence of steps, a turn, and a threshhold that alerts you to when you're 'inside' (yet not inside at all in the Western sense). Its pretty great, climactically appropriate, and helps avoid that horrible feeling of spending too long in sealed, air-conditioned spaces.
Post a Comment