Francine Houben - Mecanoo ArchitectenIt is common knowledge that the Dutch practices have influenced architecture in Europe these last twenty years. With many projects calling for cutting-edge theories, Francine Houben is part of this dominant trend.
National Centre for Performing Arts, Taiwan Implanted in the 65-hectare city park, this 141 000 m˛ theatre complex will be the largest on the island. Curved and topped by an enormous, bulging and ventilated roof where the concert and opera halls will be located, the structure was ingeniously designed, especially where the roofing slides downwards and turns into the open-air theatre.
La Llotja, Lleida - Spain (2006-2010)Designed to include a theatre hall and conference facilities (37,500 m˛), this building is a replica of Lleida’s landscape. The large monolithic stone building seems to have risen straight from the Spanish soil and comprises various interrelated volumes.
FiftyTwoDegrees, Nijmegen – The Netherlands This complex refers to latitude 52°. Its curved shape was achieved by a hybrid construction (concrete and steel). The pixelated covering gives the facade its abstract appearance.