Architectural Cases

Yena Jung's visionary project, titled 'Sabbath as Resistance,' introduces a distinctive student center concept for Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts. This architectural undertaking delves into the profound notion of rest, not merely as an absence of activity, but as a deliberately crafted spatial and cultural experience. Inspired by theologian Walter Brueggemann's work, particularly his book 'Sabbath as Resistance,' the design posits rest as a revolutionary act against the relentless demands of productivity, consumption, and efficiency that define contemporary society. It proposes an environment where architecture actively facilitates moments of tranquility, introspection, and collective engagement, fostering a counter-cultural ethos within the academic landscape.

Brueggemann's framework interprets 'Sabbath' as both defiance and an alternative way of being, challenging economic and social norms that prioritize output above all else. Within this context, true rest transcends simple leisure; it signifies a conscious pause in continuous labor and performance. Jung's design translates this philosophical stance into tangible architectural elements. Through thoughtful manipulation of space, careful selection of materials, and sequential design, the student center aims to create areas that encourage both individual contemplation and communal interaction, advocating for a balanced and more mindful existence.

The design philosophy behind 'Sabbath as Resistance' views art and architecture as inherently aligned with the principles of Sabbath. Similar to artistic creation, architectural endeavors, when approached with intention, resist rigid quantification and optimization. Instead, they open avenues for deep thought, a slower pace of experience, and engagement that is not solely instrumental. In this light, architecture becomes more than a tool for maximizing efficiency; it transforms into a medium for sculpting alternative rhythms of human activity and occupancy, inviting users to re-evaluate their relationship with time and space.

Situated near Coy Pond within Gordon College's verdant campus, the proposed student center strategically leverages its natural surroundings. Its proximity to water features, mature trees, and pedestrian pathways underscores the project's aim: to offer a sanctuary from the intense academic environment and guide individuals toward a state of restorative rest. The building's layout is meticulously planned to accommodate a spectrum of activities, from quiet, solitary reflection to vibrant, informal social gatherings, embodying the dual nature of rest as both a personal journey and a shared experience.

The spatial arrangements within the center skillfully balance secluded areas, designed for silence and personal rejuvenation, with more open zones that foster shared use and social interaction. This intentional duality reinforces the concept that rest is simultaneously an individual need and a communal practice. Material choices further accentuate these conditions, distinguishing spaces intended for introspection from those designed for dynamic engagement. The approach to the building itself is conceived as a gradual transition, where movement through the landscape serves as a preparatory sequence, gently easing visitors from the demanding pace of campus life into a more deliberate and reflective mode of being.

Ultimately, 'Sabbath as Resistance: A Student Center at Gordon College' presents architecture as a transformative framework. It prompts a critical re-evaluation of modern attitudes toward work, the utilization of time, and the fundamental importance of rest. In a world often driven by exhaustion, designer Yena Jung asserts that embracing rest is an act of rebellion, one that empowers individuals to reclaim their presence, intention, and the profound potential for genuine human flourishing.

MVRDV, a renowned Dutch architectural practice, has recently completed a striking new facade for the Tiffany & Co. flagship store in Beijing. Situated within the vibrant Taikoo Li Sanlitun district, this four-story structure now boasts a distinctive rippling exterior composed of translucent glass fins, establishing a prominent architectural presence amidst the urban landscape. The design not only captivates passersby with its dynamic visual appeal but also seamlessly integrates the luxury brand's iconic aesthetic into the bustling commercial environment. This innovative approach reflects a deep understanding of the interplay between architecture, brand identity, and urban context, setting a new benchmark for retail design in the region.

The project's most defining feature is its continuous sheath of Tiffany Blue glass, which wraps around the building, ensuring its visibility and recognition from every angle. This architectural skin is meticulously crafted to interact with ambient light and the movement of observers, allowing the store to become an integral yet distinct part of the district’s fabric. The use of Tiffany Blue, a color synonymous with the brand, transforms the building into a giant jewel box, subtly hinting at the treasures within while maintaining an elegant and sophisticated exterior. This thoughtful integration of color and form ensures that the store stands out, creating an immediate and memorable impression on visitors and pedestrians.

The architects at MVRDV have employed an innovative technique, covering the building's exterior with vertically oriented, translucent glass fins that extend the full height of the Tiffany & Co. flagship. Each fin possesses a subtle curve, resulting in a layered surface that appears to transform with the observer's changing perspective. This design strategy generates an impressive sense of depth and distinctiveness without relying on overt graphics, allowing the inherent qualities of the materials and geometric configuration to articulate the building’s character. The glass elements gently obscure the interior views, yet maintain an inviting sense of transparency, drawing attention to the intricate craftsmanship of the facade itself.

Jacob van Rijs, a founding partner at MVRDV, elaborated on the facade’s dynamic qualities, stating, \u201cWhen viewed from an oblique angle, the superimposed effect of the dense glass fins accentuates the impact of light, highlighting the facade's contours. The illumination passing through and reflecting off the translucent glass creates a subtle, ever-changing dance of light. As one approaches the building, momentary glimpses of the jewelry inside become visible between the fins.\u201d This carefully orchestrated visual experience ensures that the building remains engaging and surprising, offering new details with every movement and perspective.

MVRDV masterfully utilizes daylight as a fundamental design tool to animate the Tiffany Beijing flagship's facade through nuanced variations. The glass inherently possesses a soft blue hue, which intensifies as light refracts through its multiple layers. After dusk, a meticulously integrated lighting system, embedded within the mounting brackets, uniformly illuminates the fins, generating the gentle radiance that has long been synonymous with Tiffany's distinctive visual identity. This strategic application of light, both natural and artificial, ensures the facade remains captivating and iconic around the clock.

The construction details received careful consideration to enhance the overall experience. The lighting hardware is discreetly recessed within custom-designed supports, ensuring that the glass edges appear visually continuous and uninterrupted. This meticulous approach maintains focus on the material surface itself, rather than its fixtures, thereby reinforcing the sense of precision and refinement that defines the entire project. Furthermore, the facade has been engineered for effortless disassembly, with the glass fins and brackets designed for easy removal and potential future reuse. This sustainable strategy prolongs the system's operational lifespan beyond a single retail cycle, underscoring a commitment to adaptability within the perpetually evolving commercial landscape.

In essence, the new Tiffany & Co. flagship store in Beijing's Taikoo Li Sanlitun district, with its MVRDV-designed undulating glass facade, represents a harmonious fusion of architectural innovation and brand heritage. The continuous Tiffany Blue envelope, composed of subtly curved, translucent glass fins, offers a dynamic visual experience that shifts with light and movement, creating a distinct identity within the vibrant urban setting. The thoughtful integration of daylight and bespoke lighting solutions ensures the building's allure day and night, while its demountable design speaks to a forward-thinking approach towards sustainability and adaptability in commercial architecture.