rintala eggertsson architects: ark tower

‘ark tower’ by rintala eggertsson architects all photos by pasi aalto courtesy rintala eggertsson architects

1:1 architects build small spaces exhibition victoria & albert museum, london on now until 30 august 2010

norwegian rintala eggertsson architects developed ‘ark tower’ for the 1:1 architects build small spaces exhibition.

nestled against a staircase that leads up to the V&A’s national art library – itself a site of refuge and retreat – this free-standing wooden tower re-evaluates the concept of the ‘archive’. the façades of the tower consist of hundreds of shelves, holding thousands of books. oriented to face inwards, the book spines gather together to form a rich collage of colours and typographic textures. in contrast, the exterior façade of the structure is dominated by the minimalist white of exposed page edges.

the project investigates how small spaces can focus our energies and thoughts in moments of study, meditation and self-reflection. accessed via a spiral staircase, the tower invites visitors to explore the structure, have a leisurely browse through the books, and select a private reading chamber in which to enjoy their selection.

surrounded by the spiral staircase

inside the tower

entrance into the tower

inside

inside

the bookshelf within