NetherlaNds embassyJeremy Bamberger

Berlin, Germany - 2003 OFFICE OF METROPOLITAN ARCHITECTURE

Drawing Strategies - Rem Koolhaas

Rem Koolhaas approaches architecture as a method to solve problems. He is a master programmatic organizer. He then uses these organizations as a point of departure for the design of the building; for what it looks like.

His approach to design is clearly evident in his graphic style. He selectively applies color to program which then begin to define and develop the spaces, moments of overlap/interaction, and general flow.

In the diagrams to the right, the aggregated blues, reds, whites and blacks begin to describe the organization; boundaries of program and access from one space to another. It also provides Koolhaas with the method for the physical construct. The building takes the form of rectilinear masses with intersecting rods for access and flow.

In the far right diagrams, color begins to interact with line work to suggest a layered complexity of flow, program, and infrastructure. We begin to see how the programmatic and spatial organizations will “work” within the form. The overlap of color and line work also dictate a sense of depth in the drawing. We can project ourselves into the space and get a sense of how to move from program to program.

seoul NatioNal uNiversity museum of art Seoul, South Korea - 2005 OFFICE OF METROPOLITAN ARCHITECTURE

The SNU Museum of Art continues the conversation between programmatic organization and form-making. In addition to the color palette and line-work, Koolhaas introduces text as a graphic tool to convey an idea.

By manipulating text size, orientation, and density, Koolhaas literally begins to “build” the building with words. The forms become self-evident. We can see the organized spaces, the program contained within, and various intensities of use (the more administrative, heavily trafficked areas are represented with densely packed text, while the spaces dependent on administration are treated with a more spacious text.

As with the Netherlands Embassy, color plays a key role in creating depth in the drawings. It also keeps the program, spatial organization, and form in constant communication with one another. Our eyes can move from one drawing to the other while maintaining what program is where and what the building looks like.

earlier Work OFFICE OF METROPOLITAN ARCHITECTURE

Hotel Welfare PalaceNew York City, USA

Residence for the Irish Prime MinisterDublin, Ireland

National Dance TheatreThe Hague, Netherlands

Villa Dall’avaParis, France

Dutch Architectural InstituteRotterdam, Netherlands

1975

19791981

1984

1988