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AVA - ANDREA VATTOVANI ARCHITECTURE

AVA - ANDREA VATTOVANI ARCHITECTURE

Graz, AT

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MDBG - Museum of Bavarian history

Concept

While developing the MdBG we focused on making a right and responsible decision.
Our goal was not only to make an icon for the city, but also to make a very functional Museum. Thereby is the city structure further developed and emphasized through our intervention.
The room programme is quite large. A boxlike form didn‘t seem to be the best solution for integrating the museum in it‘s surrounding. During the development process, we took special notice of the urban surrounding and protected monuments.

We adept by removing the old building and integrating a new one. Our MdBG slowly starts to get in the desired shape.

Our room program development begins already through integration with  surrounding streets of the Museum Quarter. We decided to place the Foyer between the two building masses creating a spatial connection between them.

Museums shouldn‘t only serve as an attraction for Turists. By pushing the Foyer down we create a ramp which leads the people to the roof of the building. Thereby a possibility is made for the people of Regensburg to experience their city in a new and exciting way.

The main exhibition area is adapted by dividing it in two sections which are pulled up. First one, the „Bayerische Himmel“ (Bavarian Sky), to provide better view of the Cathedral and Danube. The second one to fulfill the room program requirements and provide a place for deliveries.

Thanks to its attractive location, the Museum would become a new point of interest for the tourtists walking along the Danube river. For the citizens of Regensburg, MdBG becomes a interactive part of the city. Exploring and discovering the city gets a whole new dimension which continues even on the Museum rooftop.

With its ramps and slopes the roof provides a place for various events ranging form cinema projections to theater. Can you imagine watching a play happening on the roof of MdBG with the Cathedral and the „Salzstadl“ as background? A dreamlike scene.

The „Bavarian Sky“ presents a climax of each visit. It guarantees the best view of the Salzstadl as well as the Steinerne Bridge and the Cathedral.

Facade

Alabaster is a name applied to varieties of two distinct minerals, when used as a material: gypsum  and calcite. It’s opticaly smiliar to marble, but is a poor heat conductor. That’s why it feels warm on touch. It’s color ranges from white, light yellow, red, to brown and grey.

It’s possible to cut it in thin layers which makes Alabaster translucent.

Structure

The construction is based on a steel truss system which enables the form to function without deformation. The construction is made according to the laws and standards.

The creativity continues in the exterior:
The facade is controlled by a computer and serves as a multifunctional screen providing entertainement and information.
The facade screening could be temporary but can also be adjusted according to the events happening in the city or building. But even without the screeing the facade provides a pleasent attraction.
It could be a nice suprise for the tourists walking along the riverside to discover the multimedia facade of MdBG.
The possibilites are endless. Various combinations are possible, from interaction with the current exhibition to providing day-to-day information for the citizens of Regensburg.

Energy Concept

The facade serves as a reflective surface for the sun, as museums don‘t need any direct sunlight. Only the two elevated ends are „open“ and they use  sunshading system to reduce direct light.

The exhibition space distinguish themselves with natural ventilation. Using the chimney effect the hot air goes upwards and exits the building.

Cooled ceiling are used for regulating the room temperature and keeping the air fresh.
Basins: Serve as air humidifiers.

 
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Status: Competition Entry
Location: Regensburg, DE
Firm Role: Architect

 
Site plan
Site plan
Pictograms
Pictograms
Function, structure and enviromental concept
Function, structure and enviromental concept
View concept to the Cathedral and Salzstadl
View concept to the Cathedral and Salzstadl
Ground floor
Ground floor
First floor
First floor
Second floor
Second floor
Elevations
Elevations
Sections
Sections
Concept of the facede with Dynamic light system
Concept of the facede with Dynamic light system
Examples of the possibility of the facade
Examples of the possibility of the facade
Day view
Day view
Night view
Night view
Interior view
Interior view