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has always been sympathetic to the philosophic approach to architecture
and that is the reason why he always tries to be coherent with his own
principles. During the design process he merges diagrams with power-
ful aquarelle paintings. These elements are far from being an abstract
conception of the buildings. By considering his drawings as a key part of
the development, Holl creates a sensory thinking approach, understand-
ing how the effects and the perception of the projects will be.
Juhani Pallasmaa described Holl’s creation process as fascinating; ex-
plaining how everything begins with minute watercolor sketches and ends
with complex computer drawings. He also adds a concern for light and a
craftsman’s sensitivity to materials and details. Poetry is always present.
The computer also plays a key role as a tool capable of dealing with com-
plex geometry, for its representation and fabrication; however, Holl is not
friendly with the idea of using digital tools in the conception process. For
him architecture is something else. He thinks that emerging technologies
are going to have an essential role to play with architecture, but not as
simulation or augmentation, he is interested in the effects, in the new spa-
tial conditions that technologies can bring to people’s experience.
The purpose of this work is to disentangle the complex design logic behind
Steven Holl’s architecture by studying some of his most representative
buildings of his late period.