Involve: A Mathematical Marvel in Architecture

Hisanori Ban's Award-Winning Design Fuses Mathematics and Architecture

Involve, a design that won the Silver A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2021, is a product of Ban's fascination with mathematical formulas. The equiangular or logarithmic spiral, known for its unique properties, served as the inspiration for this architectural marvel. Every triangle within the spiral is a similar figure, and every diagonal is the same, creating a pattern of remarkable geometrical precision.

The building's unique properties extend beyond its aesthetic appeal. The spiral design encourages workers to move in a way that inevitably leads to more interaction than in a traditional rectangular office space. This increased communication can lead to improved quality and enhanced productivity, proving that the design is as practical as it is beautiful.

Involve's realization is marked by a distinctive geometrical and economical structural system. The inherent characteristics of the logarithmic spiral allow the structural members of columns, beams, and cross bracing to repeat the same system of details at all connections. This repetition creates a patterned beauty achieved by merely adjusting the length of these structural components.

The building, which resembles a stone sculpture on a hill, creates a new landscape for the site that was once a forest. Involve welcomes not just visitors but also the local residents, inviting them with its rhythmical interior. The design aims to involve the local community, reflecting the geographical context and reviving the site with its mountain-like form and surrounding trees.

The project, which started in June 2016 and finished in September 2018, was a challenge in terms of both architectural and landscape design. The goal was to create a new forest in the area, involving not just visitors but also local residents. The result is a building that is not only a workplace but also a piece of art, a testament to the creativity and innovation of its designer, Hisanori Ban.

Involve is a shining example of how architecture can transcend traditional norms and become a fusion of science and art. It is a testament to the creativity and innovation of its designer, Hisanori Ban, and a worthy winner of the Silver A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2021.