purity of the famous glazed pyramid above (Figs 7.2 and 7.3). The trun-
cated pyramidal geometry of the coffer voids within the slab unifies the
different construction materials through common forms. Detailing of
the central column also exhibits the same theme of geometrical purity
(Fig. 7.4). Full-height triangular incisions into each side of an otherwise
square column, form a complex cross-section. The square and triangu-
lar shapes integrate with those of the coffers in the immediate vicinity,
and with the pyramid above.
Structural detailing of the Suhr office building takes its cue from an essen-
tially rounded floor plan (Fig. 7.5). Geometrically complex paddle-like134 STRUCTURE AS ARCHITECTURE
▲ 7.2 Grand Louvre, Paris, France, I. M. Pei, 1989. Louvre
pyramid.
▲ 7.3 Coffered slab soffit.▲ 7.4 Triangular recesses in the central
column relate to the pyramid above.
▲ 7.5 Suhr office building, Switzerland, Santiago Calatrava, 1985. The building is circular
in plan, with an attached service core behind.