After being unanimously chosen out of 11 renowned architecture firms, Peter Zumthor presented his vision for the expansion project of the reputable Fondation Beyeler Museum in Riehen, Basel. Joining the original Renzo Piano-designed museum building, the new expansion will provide more room for the Museum's cultural events as well as more gallery space for their growing permanent collection of modern and contemporary art.
Zumthor's scheme reflects the Museum's focus on “the visitor's personal and sensory experiences in encountering art and nature”. The expansion will be constructed on private land of the Iselin-Weber Park, which will become accessible to the public.
The scheme distributes the Museum's various functions among three buildings, like a village-like community,: an administrative building, a transparent events pavilion, and the “House for Art”.
Images Courtesy Atelier Peter Zumthor & Partner.
Visitors will be able to easily access recreation areas in the Iselin-Weber Park and enjoy the park's water lily pond and mature landscape.
The project — which includes acquisition of the private land and existing buildings, funding of the new expansion, and operating and maintenance costs for the first 10 years — is currently expected to cost CHF 100 million (about $101.4 million) in private funds. So far, the Museum already has CHF 50 million in pledged funds. Dates for the beginning and completion of construction have yet to be announced.
Images Courtesy Atelier Peter Zumthor & Partner.
“I want to create buildings that are loved” Peter Zumthor said in a statement. “Having the chance to do so in Basel, the city of my youth, is a particular honor for me.”
Plans, models, and visualizations of the expansion will be publicly exhibited at the Fondation Beyeler's underground floor this weekend, May 5-7. Then from May 10-23, the scheme will be displayed at the Riehen Town Hall.
4 Comments
Are these constructable renderings?
closer than LACMA
I'm sure this will be a fine building, but these renderings strike me as particularly dull. Looks like a slightly-above-average 3rd year undergrad project.
.
Block this user
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?
Archinect
This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.