Media Category: 2019.0318

Shanghai Symphony Hall. The interior features reflector boards covered in woven bamboo and stage floors fabricated from Hokkaido cypress, while terra cotta bricks and a Chinese garden highlight the exterior of the building. Photo: courtesy of Chen Hao

Shanghai Symphony Hall. In collaboration with acoustician Yasuhisa Toyota, the two halls seat 1200 and 400 guests respectively, each achieving an intimate aural balance for users through the use of latest technology and sensitive materials. Located in the heart of Shanghai’s French Concession, the performance art building sits on springs to offset the vibrations from the subway tracks below. Photo: courtesy of Chen Hao

The 2014 opening of Shanghai Symphony Hall celebrated the 135th anniversary of Asia’s oldest orchestra, the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. Photo: courtesy of Chen Hao

Allianz Tower. Four exterior buttresses, accentuated in gold, counter oscillations, while a versatile interior structure allows for flexible office spaces. Photo: courtesy of Alessandra Chemollo

Allianz Tower is one of the tallest skyscrapers in Italy and serves as a new landmark for the city of Milan. The narrow stature of the 50-stories tall building emphasizes its verticality. The exterior triple glass curtain wall is curved in billowing six-floor sections to diminish the reflection of the sun, while showcasing the natural light that illuminates the building. This vertical succession of rounded forms creates a feeling of slight movement as the building arises. Photo: courtesy of Alessandra Chemollo

Ark Nova, or “new ark,” was commissioned by the Lucerne Festival and designed by Anish Kapoor and Isozaki as a response to natural disaster. The PVC-coated polyester membrane of the orb-like structure inflates and deflates quickly, allowing this concert hall to be transported from one location to another, originally touring areas that were affected by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. The inflatable mobile performance venue can showcase a range of performing arts for audiences of up to 500 guests, and has become a symbol of the spirit of rebuilding. Photo: courtesy of Iwan Baan

Qatar National Convention Center. Using careful design and the latest techniques in water conservation and energy efficiency, the building has achieved exemplary results in terms of sustainability. Photo: courtesy of Hisao Suzuki

As one of the largest exhibition centers in the Middle East, the Qatar National Convention Center can accommodate up to 10,000 people within its three main halls and flexible meeting spaces. The exterior evokes two trees – inspired by Sidrat al-Muntaha, a holy Islamic tree that symbolizes the end of the seventh heaven – which surround the glass façade and support the roof canopy. Photo: courtesy of Hisao Suzuki

Pala Alpitour. On the outside, stainless steel and glass compose the exterior, creating a glow throughout the day and night. On the inside, adaptable features such as retractable bleachers and a moveable deck allow for the evolution of the space to accommodate other sporting events, concerts and conventions. Photo: courtesy of Hisao Suzuki

Pala Alpitour, aerial view from the north. Originally designed for the 2006 Winter Olympic Games, the 12,000-person capacity stadium was developed from the concept of “invisible architecture.” The building remains sensitive to its surrounding context, as two of its four stories are sunken underground so that the overall height complements that of the neighboring 1934 World Cup stadium. Photo: courtesy of Alessandra Chemollo

Nara Centennial Hall. The design also honors the nearby and prominent Todaiji Temple (734 AD) through its sloping form and gray ceramic tile. The building interiors were designed to be versatile, changing to accommodate a range of events, conventions and conferences. Photo: courtesy of Hisao Suzuki