Post Modernism / Rolex Learning Centre

Post Modernism can be described as a transformation of the Society, architects are more open to the public, they want to take different path for their architecture. They are not followings modern architects; that were inspired by architectures shapes conceived by engineers, they are creating shapes that have “no sense”. Line that is free from rules, guides, or previous examples. It breaks the idea of functionalism, and culturalism. Indeed they take references from the past and add colours, or new symbols. The architecture of Mies Van Der Rohe or LeCorbusier is over. They wanted to focus on functionalism by removing all the details, ornamentation etc… Post Modernism brings back all those details, New York or Chicago are not the ideal cities anymore. Las Vegas is for example. In France for example we have the work of Ricardo Bofill, Walden 7 that uses the colours to express feeling and sensations to the spectator.

Post Modernism refuses unity, hierarchy, structure, and verticality. It highlights horizontality, vanishity, and fluidity. In this sense the Rolex Learning Centre in `Lausanne, Switzerland, appears like a postmodern building by its horizontal construction, its particular shapes, and its hybrid functionality.

Indeed the Rolex Learning is mainly the library of the EPFL, Ecole Polytechnique de Lausanne. The building is in the center of the Campus. It was created by SANAA a group of architect from Japan. Every building of the Campus can see the Rolex Learning Center form one way or another.

The façade is full of glass . Space inside has no seperations , it extends on one level , without walls. It is the undulations of the ground that distinguish spaces. The structure is supported by slender column. Multifunctional , the space is divided into four zones. The library is located north of the building and occupies half the surface of the Rolex Learning Center . There is an auditorium and a restaurant. Along the main entrance on the west façade , succeed the cafeteria , bookstore , bank , offices of Alumni , a space dedicated to vocational guidance for students and the association of EPFL students.

The building is famous for its landscaping architecture. The Rolex Learning Center create a unity with the swiss moutains, it’s a part of the landscape. But it’s also a landscape on his own with all the undulations. Indeed I went to visit this building and I had the feeling of strolling through lands thanks to marks on the ground or signs on the wall.