ABSTRACT
This chapter presents structural analyses of two very different buildings. Between them, they exemplify structure enriching most aspects and areas of architecture. These analyses introduce the many ways structure contributes to architecture and prepares the way for a more detailed investigation and categorization of the architectural potential of structure. The two case-studies discussed in the chapter considers use of exposed structure in very different architectural contexts. First, the National Stadium, Beijing, displays an exuberant and chaotic exterior structure, but it is more muted when experienced from the interior. Exterior and interior expression reverses in the second building, the Baumschulenweg Crematorium. Within its formal minimalist exterior envelope, impressive exposed interior structure in the form of 'randomly placed' columns transforms the main space, leading to alternative architectural readings. These studies of the National Stadium and the Baumschulenweg Crematorium begin to illustrate the potential of structure to enrich architecture.
