Shohei Yokoyama MOA Honorable Mention
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Introduction
Olympic Games mean different things to different people. It is a rich event that can only be described by words like “Wondrous.” However, if I had to pick a more specific word to describe its true essence, I would say “Unity.” After watching several Olympics on TV in my lifetime, I am particularly amazed by the fact that people from opposite corners of the world can come together and participate in the same sport at the highest level. Two people, whom otherwise could be killing each other, can compete, reconcile, and unite through a single common a dream – to win the Olympic gold. Athletes and fans alike, whatever the motivation may be, Olympics has no equal in its ability to bring out the commonality within such diverse race. It is the greatest party man has ever known. This project needed to express such quality of the Olympic Games.
This was the beginning of the project.
Situation
The site is in close vicinity to important ruins, which made me feel the need for simple and poetic structure that isn’t overwhelming. Olympic Games being one of the many great products of Greece, the museum had to be mindful of its rich history and surroundings, but somehow be a part of it in a contemporary way. This was the challenge prompted by the site.
Concept
Olympics has a unique and geometrically pure logo. Corbusier said pure geometries are beautiful because they are easy to understand. Greeks pursued the perfect geometric Order in their construction. The museum took a geometric shape, learning from masters of the past. I felt that a circle or a ring would be appropriate and consistent with the theme of unity, but it had to promote congregation rather than division. The circle became porous, consisting of transparent colonnade in reference to threshold created by free-standing columns of temple ruins.
Case Studies
Spaces
Naturally the public gathering space was placed on the ground level. Much like the ancient amphitheaters, the mood of the place changes with the presence of people. It is an open space that has no object that calls attention to itself. It is about the people and whatever activities they choose to do.
The gallery is buried underground. Like an elaborate grave. It is a place that remembers something that is gone, yet very much plays a huge role in our lives. Past is what we cannot experience, yet its mystical wonders is sometimes more powerful than reality. It is a hall of remembrance that records incredible feats of past men. It is a hall of human mythology.
Structure and Material
Pixels.
Drawings
- ''Name of the Drawing File + Extension''
level description: Plant Section, and so on.
Photos
- ''Name of the picture to be displayed + Extension''
Picture foot note
