A retrospective of the work of architect Mario Botta, whose geometric forms – often expressed in brick – are celebrated across the globe


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Centro Cinque Continenti, Lugano-Paradiso, Switzerland, 1992.
Fundamentally a brick cylinder, this building opens up to reveal a piazza and an atrium at its core.
The dynamic structure incorporates a mix of commercial and residential accommodation spread over 13,000 m2.

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Kyobo Tower, Seoul, Korea 1999-2003.
This office building was designed to be a landmark with a medieval monumentality that would contrast with neighbouring glass and steel buildings. A distance of 18 m between the towers allows daylight to flood into all levels. Brickwork clads the precast concrete panels that are anchored to the structure.

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Science College, Città della Pieve, Italy, 1998-2000.
A contemporary reworking of a medieval fortress, this brick-clad concrete structure has three five-storey twin towers that express the building's functional requirements. Sited at the foot of a steep slope, the building has horizontal slits to provide solar protection.

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La Fortezza building, Maastricht, Holland, 1997-2000.
This 23,000 m2 scheme comprises housing in a cylindrical block and offices in two adjacent linear buildings. A large cut at the rear opens the cylinder to reveal a generous courtyard.

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Leeum-Samsung Museum of Art, Seoul, Korea, 2002-2004.
Set into a hillside, this building comprises two distinct volumes, one rectilinear, the other an inverted cone. Both parts feature staggered horizontal brick bands that make intensive use of soldier courses. The trees on top of the building symbolise flags and the merlons provide a historical reference.

Brick Bulletin Summer 2005