O ften modern architecture in prairie cities is overlooked. Little attention is given to modest projects that ultimately reflect movements in architecture that are of more than a regional interest. Suspended somewhere between an airport, a shopping mall, and a medium density community you will find the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). Ultimately the campus is a repetitious and utilitarian one of 2 story double loaded corridors that are endlessly connected to shelter students from the harsh winter. Although, what appears to be a mundane campus, is elevated at its ends. The bar buildings that go on and on are book ended with magnificent glasshouses of circulation, inspired by the intellect of the modern movement. When one drives by these structures we are reminded of a Mon- drian painting — rational, minimal, and proportioned. The grid of glass and opaque panels creates views that dodge ones imagination. The sole function of the structure is to provide circulation sophisti- catedly shrouded in notions of technology, motion, and the modern age. Inspired by the experiment of mobility, mass production, and transparency we find great success and joy when engaged with this building. real places: edmonton Aumer Assaf
Aumer Assaf is an architect, in collaboration with Sid Assaf, in The Office of City Inter - viewed, an integrated planning, industrial design and architecture firm in Edmonton.
ON SITE review 6: BEAUTY
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