Two realms, one building, one book
Created and published by KAAN Architecten, ‘ISMO’ is a book about Institut des Sciences Moléculaires d’Orsay, a building for scientific research designed for Paris Saclay campus in 2018.
The subtle yet elegant design of the book mirrors the design of the building in several features. The duality of ISMO’s programme is reinterpreted through two types of paper sewn together by aptly chosen Swiss binding technique often used in scientific publishing. Meanwhile, the recognisable concrete facade is referenced in the grid-like positioning of the ISMO logo and the texture of the grey cover paper that uses genuine pulverised cement to give it a rough chapped feel.
Along with an original essay by Ruud Brouwers in both English and French, the book expresses the essence of the building through rich photographs by Fernando Guerra and Sebastian van Damme.
Explore the full publication here.
