National Museum of Contemporary Art, Osaka, Japan, by architect Cesar Pelli & Associates and structural engineers Tomoki Hashimoto and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
Image: Cesar Pelli & Associates

Still covered in protective wrapping, the structure resembles the architect's early styrene models.
Photo: Jun Mitsui & Associates

The end caps being installed on the slightly horizontal members that tie the entire structure together.
Photo: Jun Mitsui & Associates

The sliding plate connection where the vertical members penetrate the glass skylight allows members to sway slightly. A bellows-like rubber gasket makes the seismic-separation connection weather-tight.
Photo: Jun Mitsui & Associates

The skylight glazing is a laminated, tempered, heat-strengthened, double-paned glass with a 50-percent ceramic frit pattern to reduce heat gain.
Photo: Jun Mitsui & Associates

The curved skylight is fitted with flat pieces of glass.
Photo: Jun Mitsui & Associates

The descending entry stair winds around the main cluster of columns.
Photo: Jun Mitsui & Associates

The sliding plate connection between the vertical members and the skylight allows 4 to 6 inches (100 to 150 millimeters) of movement in any direction.
Photo: Jun Mitsui & Associates

There are many vertical members passing through the glass.
Photo: Jun Mitsui & Associates

The above-ground portion of the structure has become a visible symbol for the museum and the city of Osaka.
Photo: Jun Mitsui & Associates