Through the Lattice | Michele Amadori

"Through the Lattice" aims to reuse the Japan Pavilion façade system made for Expo Milano 2015: an intricate wooden lattice with high architectural and symbolic value. The intention is to give continuity to this artwork inserting it into a new planning reality that gives prominence to its spiritual vocation, demonstrating transportability and its use as structural element.

For this reason a practical and theoretical approach was followed to raise an awareness of construction technology, durability and the real potentials of the façade. This preliminary studies led to several proposals that, underwent to the attention of Japanese architect Atsushi Kitagawara during the trip to Tokyo, have defined the guidelines for the design of the dissertations building. The result is a meditative and expositive centre where the spaces and the characteristics of classicism blend together with values of the oriental culture. Inspired by virtuous examples of meditative spaces in American and Anglo-Saxon campus, the project finds its place inside the Bovisa Campus of Politecnico di Milano, in a place so far intended for leisure activities but lacking of identity. Exterior and interior spaces are designed to be interpreted by users, according to Japanese culture, with the identification of what happens inside them. The project represents a synthesis between interior and exterior, integrating with the neighbourhood and offering new spaces for leisure and meditation. Spaces, without any religious references, evoke deep spirituality through void sublimation.

The study of the structural behavior of the wooden lattice influenced the design process since
the earliest stages, establishing a steady interaction between both design and construction
processes. Finite element analysis confirms a good behavior of the façade system as structural
support, within the limits of elastic deformations. The choice of materials and technological solutions based on innovation, sustainability and thermal-hygrometric comfort were of great importance, as well as the systems project and energy aspects related to the joint behavior of façade modules and etfe cushions. Disassembly, processing and transportation procedures developed with the support of the Galloppini Legnami engineers finally determined both economically and logistically the feasibility of the intervention, confirming the results expected at the beginning of this path.