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The facade treatments of the Rue de Suisse housing in Paris, France by Herzog & De Meuron speak of very different spaces. The outside perforated metal is somewhat transparent and can be opened by the user. This speaks of a relationship with the street that is secure and honest. The changing light from the street and sky easily influence the view. The inside is quiet and intimate. Wood shades roll down like a piano or desk. There is little change according to lighting conditions here.
But like many such buildings, the occupants have plenty of criticism about how construction money was spent. To them pretty facades are less important than insulation, kitchen equipment, and so forth. And besides, who wants tourists looking through your windows while you’re trying to eat dinner? Rather than public housing, perhaps Herzog & De Meuron should concentrate continue with flashy national monuments like the Birds Nest Stadium in Beijing. |
(featured image by pedro botton on flickr/creative commons)
