AVALON LEAVENS | STUDIO
INSTRUCTOR: KASEY JOSEPHS YEAR COMPLETED: FALL 2016 PROJECT NAME: CENTRE GEORGES POMPIDOU CASE STUDY
The Pompidou Center, designed by Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano, is an iconic building in Paris that set the precedence for modern architecture around the world. By placing the mechanical and electrical systems outside of the building, it maximizes the use of the floor plate, and creates a dynamic façade that is highlighted with vibrant primary colors dependent on the system. The building also becomes a focal point for Paris as is sits above the traditional 5 story mansard roof buildings that surround the existing neighborhood.
One of the other iconic features of this building is its use of external circulation space, in the form of a large vertical escalator and tunnel system that fronts the open pavilion area located on site. This 1’-½”:1’-0” bass wood scale model features that trademark circulation system the Pompidou is known for. The model also showcases an element of structural engineering that made the large expansive bay systems possible. The Gerberettes are a cast steel fabricated structural element that act as counter weight to the large truss members. Ove Arup developed this 11-ton system to connect to the exterior columns and, by doing so, creates bracing along the horizontal façades. The model represents a section of the façade, and how to Gerberettes work with the façade and exterior circulation system. In addition to the model, the analytique showcases the overall form of the Pompidou Center and how it fits into Paris’s urban fabric. The analytique also highlights key elements of the buildings showing details in section and perspective. Over all, both elements of the presentation work together to represent the striking features of the Pompidou Center.
AIAS AT ASU ARCHITECTURE JOURNAL
21