Day352: Milan “Architectural Promenade”
I took a stroll from Milan’s central Duomo to Bocconi University, about a twenty-minute walk, and encountered a structure that felt as though the promenade itself had been transformed into architecture. The interstitial spaces along the path open up into gardens, creating an incredibly pleasant atmosphere. Blessed with the vibrant energy of graduation season and beautiful weather, the entire campus was enveloped in a sense of sheer bliss.
The undulating, wave-like curves of the perforated metal are mesmerizing. Depending on the variation of the curvature, the scenery beyond reveals and conceals itself, shifting its expression with every change in perspective. The components joining the distinct curved surfaces are remarkably unobtrusive, resulting in a visual that is exceedingly simple and elegant. In reality, however, the combination of the curved floor plans and the diverse textures of the surfaces creates a highly intricate structure. I cannot help but imagine the immense design struggles involved in achieving such a seamless, effortless appearance.
The day I visited was blessed with clear skies that heralded the arrival of spring, and many students were spending their time outdoors exactly as they pleased. Experiencing an architecture where “being outside is delightful”—one that makes you want to have a picnic on a mild spring day—stimulates the five senses with human movement, the wind, the scents, and the transition of the seasons, leaving a powerful and lasting impression.
ミラノの中心の大聖堂から歩いても20分ほどのボッコーニ大学まで散歩してみたら、散歩道がそのまま建築になっているかのような建築に出会った。散歩道の余白は庭になっていてとても気持ちいい。卒業ムードと麗かな気候で多幸感に包まれていた。
パンチングメタルの波を打つような曲線。その曲率のバリエーションによって、奥の景色が見え隠れし、角度を変えるたびに表情が変わる。異なる曲面同士を繋ぐ部材は驚くほど目立たず、視覚的には極めてシンプルで美しい。ただ、実際は曲線プランと多様な曲面のテクスチャーが組み合わさりかなり複雑な作りで、これをシンプルに見せるために、凄まじい設計の苦労があることを想像せずにはいられない。
訪れた日は春の訪れを感じる快晴で、多くの学生が外で思い思いに過ごしていた。小春日和のなか、ピクニックをしたくなるような「外が楽しい建築」は、体験することで人の動き、風、におい、季節の移ろいなど、五感が刺激される要素がたくさんあって、強く記憶に残る。
