Ark tower

rintala eggertsson architects:
architects build small spaces exhibition
victoria & albert museum, london
on now until 30 august 2010



'ark tower' by rintala eggertsson architects
all images courtesy rintala eggertsson architects


finnish rintala eggertsson architects developed 'ark tower' for the 1:1 architects build small
spaces exhibition.

nestled against a staircase that leads up to the V&A's national art library - itself a site of
refuge and retreat - this free-standing wooden tower re-evaluates the concept of the 'archive'.
the façades of the tower consist of hundreds of shelves, holding thousands of books. oriented
to face inwards, the book spines gather together to form a rich collage of colours and typographic
textures. in contrast, the exterior façade of the structure is dominated by the minimalist white
of exposed page edges.

the project investigates how small spaces can focus our energies and thoughts in moments
of study, meditation and self-reflection. accessed via a spiral staircase, the tower invites visitors
to explore the structure, have a leisurely browse through the books, and select a private reading
chamber in which to enjoy their selection.


surrounded by the spiral staircase



inside the tower



entrance into the tower



inside



inside



the bookshelf within