Pixelated Architecture

An Israeli practice applies this design technique on a building envelope in an interesting and elegant way.

- Low Shi Ping

Kimmel Eshkolot Architects have designed The Check Point Building for the Faculty of Computer Sciences and science-oriented youth at the Tel Aviv University in Israel.

What immediately stands out is its exterior envelope. Created using parametric modeling, the pixel-glass design immediately recalls images on a computer screen, expertly representing what the building stands for.

Using Rhino software, the architects decided first on a polygonal-shaped skin, before smoothening it out to form a curve. Points were then marked to determine the location of each pixel, after which the placement of the windows was decided.