Respect the context

This new extension to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, a creation from the renowned Japanese architectural firm SANAA, caught my eyes not only for the pleasant setting of the different volumes, the sustainable approach or the overall zen-like spirit, but mainly for how they resolved the major issue they had to face: how to deal with the illustrious neighbor in the Bay (the Sidney Opera House, visible in the background of the first picture). Without mimicking or stealing iconic symbols, they managed to offer hints and references (in the colors, the stratifications of the constructions, the patterns) which subliminally brings the two buildings together and enriches the already gorgeous surroundings of the Sidney Harbor.

Same consideration came to my mind while following an ongoing debate on a stalwart of the Modern Architecture in Milan, the Velasca Tower, and how it fits or not the medieval surroundings for the city: many critics deny it and even asked to tear it down.

Not me (even if the definition of critic is quite overstated..): I always loved the building and if you compare it next to another symbolic building in the same city (The Sforzesco Castle), again you may notice how many references where made to the older predecessor.

Hence, my appreciation goes to those creators who dare to take chances in bringing innovation in architecturally rich environments.

https://www.dezeen.com/2022/11/29/sydney-modern-art-gallery-sanaa/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Dezeen%20Debate%20792&utm_content=Dezeen%20Debate%20792+CID_11eb677ae27f8c9bea21646e6e09a449&utm_source=Dezeen%20Mail&utm_term=Rational%20yet%20expressive%20at%20the%20same%20time

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