Inside the Whale

Architectural discussion routinely considers function and form, but what about metaphor? Can a building be more than just bricks and mortar, more than a nice place to live?

The Biblioteca Vasconcelos in Mexico City is a stunning structure, essentially a massive tube supported by an exoskeleton of concrete ribs, filled with the "plankton" of books suspended in its bowels. I had heard its design was a reference to the biblical story of Jonah and the whale. Whether this was the intended vision of architects Alberto Kalach + Taller de Arquitectura X, or simply someone drawing a connection to the Gabriel Orozco piece in the lobby, it made for an interesting lens — to view the library as a kind of whale being nourished by books, periodicals and other media.

Thinking critically, it brought to mind a comment from a professor during my time as a student. A colleague had enthusiastically described their (likely sophomoric) housing project as a metaphor, to which the professor retorted, "But I don't want to live in a metaphor-- I want to live in a nice place." It's a sentiment that resonates. After all, function and comfort are paramount. However, can we not have both? Can a building not be both a "nice place" and a profound symbol?

Biblioteca Vasconcelos is undeniably a nice place. Filled with natural light, quiet corners for study, and bustling activity, it appears to serve its function beautifully. Yet, the potential metaphorical layers deepen the experience. It becomes more than just a library; it becomes a vessel of knowledge, a modern-day whale carrying its precious cargo.

Buildings, like art and literature, can operate on multiple levels. They can serve their practical purpose while also sparking imagination and inviting interpretation. The beauty of a building that acts as a metaphor is that it enriches our experience and encourages us to think more deeply about the spaces we inhabit.

The Unsung Heroes of Architectural Lighting

Photograph by Diego Delso

When we appreciate architectural works lit up in the evening or night—cathedrals, museums, monuments, skyscrapers, or new ferry terminals —our eyes are, of course, drawn to bold cantilevers, detailed column capitals carved from marble, or the intricate terra cotta cornices. But underground, quite literally, lies a quiet, unassuming hero: the ground-installed architectural light fixture. These simple, low-profile lights are frequently overlooked—walked on, heavily scuffed, ignored, and sometimes even buried under years of urban detritus. Yet, they are among the most important players in the choreography of architectural lighting.

Architectural lighting is, of course, much more than mere visibility. Beyond safety and functionality is the storytelling. It reveals Architectural elements, textures, casts shadows, and can create moods that transform structures into pieces of art after sunset and reveal more information about its character and personality.

To achieve these effects, lighting designers orchestrate a complex network of fixtures—each with a specific role to play. Among them, ground lights are like the bass line in a musical composition. They may not command attention, but remove them, and the whole piece falls flat. And designed to be invisible is precisely what makes them special. These recessed lights, often embedded into concrete, stone, or landscaping, are engineered not to be seen but to reveal. Their low profile and discreet housings help them blend into their surroundings during the day, yet at night, they breathe life into buildings by accentuating base details, casting uplight on facades, and subtly guiding vehicles and pedestrians.

What’s remarkable about these fixtures is the level of engineering packed into something so small. Despite being walked on, rained on, frozen and thawed, and sometimes driven over, they must perform reliably for years. Their construction is rugged—made of marine-grade stainless steel, sealed with watertight gaskets, and equipped with high-output LED modules to throw light great distances. Not surprisingly, these fixtures can be very expensive – single, high-quality, in-ground light can cost hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars.

Accessory Dwelling Units

Also known as mother-in-law apartments or granny flats, ADU’s (accessory dwelling units) refer to an additional, separate dwelling unit on a property that would otherwise legally accommodate only one residence or dwelling unit.  The City of Bainbridge Island allows the creation of an accessory dwelling unit to most single-family residences where water and sewage requirements can be met.  

 ADU’s are a sustainable way to increase housing density as they mostly rely on existing infrastructure.  They also add tremendous value to a single-family residence not just by adding of square footage to your home but with the potential of rental income and aging-in-place living options.  ADU’s very flexible and also commonly used as guesthouses, home offices, art studios or just as places for teens to hang out with friends.

 ADU’s on Bainbridge Island may be attached or detached but must be designed to maintain the appearance of the primary dwelling as a single-family residence and its size must be limited to 800 square feet of floor area or less.  One off-street parking space must be provided in addition to the off-street parking required for the primary dwelling and the ADU must share a single driveway with the primary dwelling.

 Please contact us if you’d like to discuss the feasibility of an ADU on your property.

New Digs

We are very pleased to announce the new home of Michael Wangen Architects, Davis Studio Architecture + Design and Fischer Bouma Partnership at 310 Madison Ave S, Suite A, on Bainbridge Island, a space formerly occupied by a home accessories retailer, Hat Factory Studios and even a Laundromat. 

Excited by the potential of this large, light, dynamic open space, we banded together to jointly occupy it as a cooperative of like-minded, creative professionals.  Our modifications include new paint (white, of course), energy efficient, LED light fixtures and lamps throughout, stained and waxed hardboard flooring, custom plywood furniture, and fiberboard, tackable panels.  All products and materials used in our remodel were selected to showcase our enthusiasm for green design principles such as energy efficiency, recycled content, sustainability, and high indoor air quality.

Special attention was also paid to maintaining flexible use of the extensive, creative space.  Several large pieces of storage furniture are mounted on casters to allow easy reconfiguration of the room for accommodation of various meeting sizes and display needs.

We’d like to give special thanks to our friends at Craftsman Building, a residential general contractor on Bainbridge Island, for their help in the transformation of this great workspace.