The Politics of the Envelope

In Alejadro Zaera’s ‘The Politics of the Envelope’, he states that “The envelope has become the last realm of architectural power, despite the discipline’s inability to articulate a theoretical framework capable of structuring its renewed importance.”  Although I don’t completely agree that this is true, I do believe that the envelope of the building is a critical piece that should be thoroughly researched and investigated. The shell of the building has many different roles. It is the face that the outside world sees. It is the protecter from the elements for the users inside. It creates an inside and outside. It is the in between space.  The possibilities of that space are numerous. One project I think uses this space in a creative way is the Prahran Hotel designed by Techne Architecture. The concrete pipes stacked on top of one another create a dramatic facade, and simultaneously create seating space for the restaurant.  It is a unique idea about what a facade can do. It is not just a thin skin, but an activated space with multiple functions happening simultaneously. I think the booths in the windows is super successful.