The latest global economic crisis, together with an environmental sensibility, showed some warning signs on the developing of cities and architecture. All this has been drawing attention to local architectures, especially in the developing countries. The latest Pritzker prize to Shigeru Ban could be a good example of that attitude. Swiss studio Herzog & de Meuron have just completed this new Gymnasium in Natal, northern Brazil, which is the subject of today´s newsletter.

A slotted roof, supported by an existing structure, covers the sports hall. A perforated curve wall delimites the space, and the same element generates different cylinders that house the service spaces. Poured concrete is used for both the flooring and the seatings. The result shows two different geometries and materials perfectly combined in an original space. The simplicity of the solution is crucial when it comes to judging the relationship between the new building and the local environment.