Their irregular and dynamic architectural and structural forms appear
to be expressive, but of what? First, one notes that although the build-
ing functions as a retaining wall its structural layout and detailing does
not respond to the reality of horizontal soil pressure. Casually inclined
columns are no match for slipping soil, stabilized in this case by stone-
filled wire cages, and contrast starkly with a nearby construction that
also combines retaining and shelter – for at Barcelona’s Park Güell,
Gaudí exemplifies structure expressing its soil-retaining function clearly
and gracefully (Fig. 4.39). Perhaps the forms express aspects of archery?
Such a reading seems reasonable. The linearity and random orientation
of exposed structure, as well as its dynamic qualities could well refer to
arrows in flight or their quivering upon striking a target. However, as
one reviewer reports, any expressive qualities primarily express the
design process. He writes: ‘Let’s ...get straight on to what Miralles likes
to remember as being essential to this project. In a nutshell, he reminds
us, the project grew out of “rubbing” over other projects and out of the
possibilities offered by the need to carry out earth retaining work.’^10 It
therefore appears the design process itself is being expressed!
Expressive qualities of the exterior structure at Bracken House, London,
an insertion between the end wings of a central demolished block, have
clearer and more obvious origins. Structural members are not immedi-
ately recognizable from a distance due to their relatively fine scale, made
possible by the close proximity of the primary columns, just four metres
74 STRUCTURE AS ARCHITECTURE
▲ 4.39 Parc Güell, Barcelona, Spain, Antonio Gaudí, 1914. The retaining structure
elegantly expresses resistance to the soil pressure acting upon it.
