Forum A+P 08

further that the project addresses the
difficulties of finding a way to express
the traditions of the Pacific in modern
language. His concept is a genuine village
composed on ten structures of different sizes
and functions, the largest being as tall as a
nine story building. The ten structures of
the center are organized into three villages:
one is devoted to exhibitions; another is for
administrative staff, historians, and other
offices; the third is for creative activities such
as dance, painting, sculpture and music.
The constructions are, as Piano puts it, “an
expression of the harmonious relationship
with the environment, that is typical of the
local culture. They are curved structures
resembling huts, built out of wooden joists
and ribs; they are containers of an archaic
appearance, whose interiors are equipped
with all the possibilities offered by modern
technology.”
Colin Amery says, there was a real
danger that a western architect could
have presented a scheme that was a kitsch
rendering of traditional styles. Piano and
his colleagues were more than aware of
this possible pitfall and it is a tribute to
their approach that their design appears
indigenous while being contemporary.
This unique project is a pure and lovely
demonstration of the skills of Piano and his
workshops. The center is of such delicacy
and tactful beauty that the vulnerable islands
are genuinely enhanced by its presence. The
care that has been taken is infinite and these
ten huts grouped among the pine trees are
possibly Piano’s most typical and successful
buildings. They demonstrate his approach—
he won the competition because he did not
arrive in the islands with any luggage—just
P&C Departmen Store Cologne Germany, 1999-2005
Zentrum Paul Klee, 1999-200
Zentrum Paul Klee, 1999-200
Atlanta extension too the high museum of art Atlanta, USA, 1999-2005
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