The new edition of the architecture magazine SUMMA+ 164 is a special issue addressing "Large Roofs and Large Containers," featuring works by studios such as SANAA, Rosenbaum + Aleph Zero, Weinfeld, Zaha Hadid, Campo Baeza, and ASZ, among others.
This issue presents large roofs as a unifying formal argument in contemporary projects, as they allow for greater freedom and a variety of functions brought together under a single, overarching order. In the three examples highlighted by the magazine, the large roof is considered a design strategy that also enables a unique relationship with the landscape.
Meanwhile, the large container is presented as a distinct strategy: "A building of enormous dimensions capable of dwarfing the human figure or even massive machinery. By definition, these are empty buildings—a single, vast space that can house large elements or expansive activities, such as a sports center. Structurally, they present the challenge of spanning great distances. Expressively, the challenge lies in acknowledging their enormous dimensions and resolving their relationship with the context in a favorable way." Excerpt from the prologue by Fernando Diez.
