Architecture: Korean Pavilion, 'Complex' Patterns

Lately I've been researching patterns a little. Well, I'll call them patterns. But what I'm really interested in is those things which rest exactly on the line of not exactly being a pattern anymore. That is to say it's clear that there is some kind of organizing principle, a logic which is generating the pattern. But it's on the verge of becoming so complex that we can't immediately decipher what it is. Below is an example that I came across recently which I think is perfect to illustrate the point. And also simply, an amazing building to look at.

While it's clear that there is an organizational idea that creates the facade treatment, you can't immediately decipher how it is working. This is the line or verge which I'm talking about. I suppose the question then becomes, when is a pattern not a pattern anymore? What is the point of complexity within which we don't consider it a pattern? Or regular like a grid?

So this is the Korean Pavilion from the World Exposition in Shanghai, 2010. The facade really rests on this line or verge. And that's why I love looking at it. Generally I think patterns that are crossing this line tend to be exceptionally beautitful.

Thomas-Michael1

e-architect.co.uk

Architecture, Patterns On The Verge And The Korean Pavilion, World Exposition, Shanghai.

korean-inspiration.blogspot.com

Architecture, Patterns On The Verge And The Korean Pavilion, World Exposition, Shanghai.

arqa.com

Architecture, Patterns On The Verge And The Korean Pavilion, World Exposition, Shanghai.

korean-inspiration.blogspot.com

Architecture, Patterns On The Verge And The Korean Pavilion, World Exposition, Shanghai.