Beginning in the mid-XNUMXth century as a modernist, Isozaki experienced a fascination with the ideas of metabolism, postmodernism, and contextual architecture. In the XNUMXst century, he challenges everyone who believes that an architect should stick to a once chosen and recognizable style.
Perhaps the diversity of Isozaki's forms and concepts is a consequence of his mobile lifestyle. In addition to practice, Arata Isozaki is deeply engaged in the theory of architecture, travels with lectures all over the world, participates in the organization of specialized competitions. By the way, he calls himself the discoverer of Zaha Hadid's talent and still considers one of the most interesting activities for him to observe the development of young architects and the subculture in general.
Disney headquarters in Orlando, USA, 1991
Kitakyushu Municipal Art Museum, Japan, 1974
Isozaki's portfolio of implemented projects includes dozens of educational, sports and cultural facilities in various cities, including the building of the world's largest museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOSA) in Los Angeles.
Museum of Modern Art (MOSA), Los Angeles, USA, 1986
Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC), Doha, Qatar, 2011. Photo: Nelson Garrido
The Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) was opened in Doha in December 2011. It is called one of the structurally most complex buildings in the category of exhibition and conference centers built so far. But above all, a strong emotional response is caused by the bright design of the building, which received its own name: "Cidra Tree".
The tree is a symbol of learning and a beacon of comfortable refuge in the desert for poets and scholars who gather under its branches to share knowledge
Isozaki took as a basis the concept of the image of a cedar tree. In the culture of the Arab world, this drought-resistant plant symbolizes vitality. Sidra (Sidrat al-Muntaha) is a significant icon in Qatari culture, it is depicted on the emblem of the Qatar Foundation.
Interiors of the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC). Photo: Nelson Garrido
Interiors of the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC). Photo: Nelson Garrido
Giant steel supports in the form of intertwined tree branches support the concrete roof of the 6-level building. Inside, there is a conference hall with 4 seats, a theater, lecture halls and more than 40 square meters of exhibition space. The QNCC building was designed with an emphasis on compliance with the concept of sustainability and LEED standards.
Interiors of the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC). Photo: Pygmalion Karatzas
Interiors of the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC). Photo: Pygmalion Karatzas
Interiors of the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC). Photo: Pygmalion Karatzas
From the entire multifaceted legacy of Isozaki, the "Cider Tree" stands out as an obvious example of "talking architecture" that combines symbolism with extreme functional load. We would say that this is exactly the rare case when an architectural genius combines expressive form and function in harmony and balance.
