Geometric Shapes In Concrete

© 109 Architectes

The strong clean design of the Université Saint-Joseph, in Lebanon, is designed by 109 Architects & Youseff Tohme. "This new campus takes a contextual approach, integrating physically, culturally, and historically with Beirut’s urban tissue. Conceptually an urban block with sculpted voids, the building’s hollow spaces define six autonomous blocks and construct multiple viewpoints across Beirut, connecting students to their dynamic setting. The voids also generate a street-level meeting space, which flows fluidly to the top floor in the form of a massive staircase. It concludes at a landscaped terrace overlooking the city. Light is a vital element in oriental architecture and one that shapes its style and identity; the campus exposes alternate light qualities through Moucharabieh-inspired perforations and a polycarbonate volume. Such manipulation presents a striking contrast in filtered light and luminescence. A stylized random-opening treatment is a snapshot of the Lebanese War, lending a poetic glimpse into the reality of destruction and violence." (ABOVE) The concrete stairs work beautifully with the structure and are both grand and command attention. Each window has its own unique shape, which gives the structure character. In addition, the varied window shapes, break the rigid lines of the structure. (BELOW) Another view of the structure, reveals different shapes, behind the shapes on the facade are windows. 

© 109 Architectes

Create This Look In Your Home:

Whether you buy these items or ones at a cheaper cost, the key to recreating the look of the Université Saint-Joseph in your home is to bring in patterns and shapes, and neutral colors. Patterns and shapes can be brought in through rugs, lighting and wallpaper. Neutral colors can be brought in through tabletops, sculptures and furniture. The 1990s "Sole" chair by Atelier Fornasetti is from Holly Johnson Antiques. The unique lithographically printed design, resembles the stairs and columns of the first photograph. The 1970s concrete plaster African side table by John Dickinson is from Coup d'Etat. The side table resembles the structure as a whole, because of the concrete material and clean form. The multi-arm chandelier is from Rewire. The chandelier resembles the shapes on the facade of the second photograph. The wires that connect the base to the lights resemble the white fence featured at the bottom of the second photograph. The mid 20th century vintage Swedish rug is by Marta Maas Fjetterstrom and from Nazmiyal. The clean pattern, color, and variety in shapes, all resemble the structure. How do you feel this look resembles the structure? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

 Quote: (109 Architectes)