Architect Introduction for Beginners [No.2] SANAA (Part 1)
In this installment, I would like to introduce SANAA.
SANAA is an architectural unit consisting of Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa. Originally, Ryue Nishizawa worked at Kazuyo Sejima & Associates, but later established the Office of Ryue Nishizawa. The architectural unit was born when they began developing projects overseas, and they are active not only in Japan but on the global stage.
Characteristics of their work
The following are some of the characteristics seen in SANAA's architecture.
Extensive use of glass
By actively using highly transparent glass, they blur the boundaries between the interior and exterior, creating spaces that gently connect with the surrounding environment.
2. Bright spaces incorporating natural light
Related to the use of glass, there are ingenious ways to softly guide natural light into the interior of the building throughout their designs. By effectively placing light courts and voids, they bring a uniform and airy brightness to the entire space.
3. Airy spaces
SANAA's architecture is planned so that users can find diverse places to be, through flexible spatial compositions that do not overly limit the usage. By suppressing the presence of structures and boundaries with thin columns and glass, and by enhancing the continuity and uniformity of the space, they realize architecture that is airy overall and where the inside and outside are gently connected.
Introduction to SANAA's works
While there are many attractive works by SANAA, they are also known for having many museums among their projects. Therefore, this time, I will focus on introducing their museums.
1. 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa is one of SANAA's representative works. It is characterized by its highly transparent glass exterior, and it has an open composition that can be accessed from anywhere without being limited to a specific front or entrance. From the inside, one can feel the lush green landscape outside as it is, realizing a space where the inside and outside are gently continuous.
Also, under the philosophy of a "museum open to the city" advocated by Kanazawa City, it is worth noting that it is planned to blend into the city by organically connecting with Kanazawa Castle and surrounding cultural facilities. It is a work worthy of attention not only as a single building but also from the perspective of urban planning.
2. Louvre-Lens
The Louvre-Lens Museum was built as a branch of the Louvre Museum. While the main museum in Paris systematically houses and exhibits art objects mainly up to the 18th century, the Louvre-Lens selects works from that collection across eras and regions, and exhibitions are held from a freer and more cross-disciplinary perspective.
3. New Museum
The New Museum is a contemporary art museum built on the Bowery in Manhattan, New York. To comply with zoning regulations intended to limit the height of Manhattan skyscrapers, the building is composed of stacked, offset cubes. These offsets create terraces and skylights, allowing visitors to enjoy views of the New York cityscape and feel the outside air, offering an experience that fosters a connection with the city.
4. Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion
The Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion was built as an annex to the Toledo Museum of Art in Ohio. Toledo is a city that flourished through glass manufacturing, and this annex primarily exhibits glass art. Both the interior and exterior walls are made of glass, with each room enclosed by it. The overlapping transparent and reflective surfaces of the glass create a unique atmosphere where each room feels both connected and distinct.
The rest of this article continues in Part 2.
In Part 2, we introduce works by Kazuyo Sejima & Associates and Ryue Nishizawa & Associates. We also recommend literature for those who want to learn more about SANAA. (Continues to Part 2)