In Simmons Hall, which opened to residents recently, architect
Steven Holl successfully continues to translate conceptual ideas
into impressive buildings that can stand alone without knowledge
of their impetus. But the strength of his designs allows the
observer to discover the ideas: here the large and small openings
speak of the building's porosity, while the internal interactions
act as a micro-urban condition. Aside from the building's praises
as a stand-alone object, it is a part of a larger whole; it is
part of a campus and a city. In reflecting the greater condition
into which it is inserted, ideally Simmons Hall will give back
to M.I.T. and Cambridge through its quality spatial and interactive
experiences.
