Coop Himmelb(l)au

Okay before I write more about these architectural things let me tell you my hope for NOTHING.

Since I’ve already own my everydays' life blog, I really hope that this NOTHING can be my information blog which means I’ll put lots of info rather than blogging about myself. Ok, maybe there’ll be one or two stories about me in future but I’ll try as much as I could to make this blog very informative so that it will benefit others.

And since I’m studying architecture and my fond of design is started to grow, I think I’ll brag more on architecture thingy. After all, no one ever knows what will turn-out next!

Ok, let’s start.

Coop Himmelblau is founded by Wolf Prix and Helmut Swiczinsky in Vienna, Austria. The reason why I like their design is mainly because the way they translate the word aesthetic. From most of their completed projects, the designs are very aggressive and raw. It is very dynamic in their own way and I really like the idea that the asymmetrical always been their feature.

Let’s take one example; UFA Cinema Centre in Dresden, Germany.



The building looks outstanding with the sharp edges panels rotating freely acting as the façade. It doesn’t look so massive because there are voids between the panels exposing the structure, which make it looks lighter than a bulky box. This is just startling! Even people who do not have an interest in architecture will attract to this building. Just imagine; u walks down the street and suddenly sees this ‘weird’ building. You must be stunned don’t you? Even if you don’t like it at the second place, but that’s enough for me (if I’m the architect). The intention to make the building bold has been achieved. It is quite hard to make people notice of what’s around them (if you concern).

In my early years of studying architecture, I couldn’t understand why the Rooftop Remodeling in Vienna is called as masterpiece. Where’s the justice? They call it masterpiece?? Is there any aesthetic value at the design? Oh come on... Me myself at that time was still influenced by a sleek line and cubic forms were the amazing building.

Rooftop Remodeling by Coop Himmelblau

But now after years of learning and reading and practicing err… doing studio projects I mean, I started to understand the beauty of sculpturalistic form. The beauty of chaotic form. Did I use a correct word? Chaotic FORM? Never mind. I do think that this kind of design (like Coop Himmelblau’s) gives the best raw initial ideas to develop very well during the stage of designing. For a student like me, doing that kind of design is easier because I don’t have to follow grid lines while my ideas bursting out from my head. . It’s easier to locate any space to anywhere since there’s no perfect symmetrical shape in the design. Because, when designing, your ideas will pop out and quickly disappeared if you don’t grab it and associate it into your sketches or drawing or what so ever 3D modeling software you are using.

In a nutshell, I love asymmetrical and dynamic and organic design. If it isn’t sharp edges, I like it to be soft rounded edges; just like what Asymptote did.

Penang Global City Centre, Malaysia.
photo courtesy of Asymptote Architecture