The fragmented facade
At the beginning of this year, the International Year of Astronomy, the Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics opened its doors in Pasadena, California. The Center was designed by the Californian firm of architects Morphosis and named after its generous sponsor Charles H. Cahill, who helped finance a large share of the 50 million dollar building.
The terra cotta facade of the 100,000 square-foot structure has a fragmented look. Folds and cracks in the design, which is in many respects fairly conventional, give the impression that the forces of nature have had their effect on the building – appropriate, even if the Institute for Seismology in its colonial style premises is right next door.
The central staircase
