the architecture
The whole project started with a town planning competition for the former Milka factory grounds and its integration into the lower part of the town without specifying any guidelines with regard to function. It was only later that the intention to build a museum was defined, and the winning architectural team Jörg & Sturm (Langnau/Switzerland) awarded the contract. Their model proposed the creation of a link joining the homogeneous built-up area of the old part of the town to the rectangular allotment patterns of the train station quarter by means of three simple concrete cubes placed adjacent to each other. Integrating the surrounding buildings, a balance between form and ground was intended. An important aspect was the connection to the town's network of paths by installing a public footpath leading right through the museum which connects the Lyssachstrasse with the Oberstadtweg, the path in the upper part of the town. The view into the interior of the building remains barred, underlining the private character of the museum.
Both the interior and exterior of the building constitute masterful examples of geometry and proportion. The building as a whole adheres to clearly defined proportions such as the golden section, which is also the case with aspects such as the wall or window areas or the concrete elements placed on the ground. The strictly limited range of materials and colours is a crucial design element and can also be found in the interior of the building. The shell of the building consists solely of concrete and glass. All indentations in the body of the building are specially cut and give the impression of having been made a later stage. The interior is dominated by white walls and oak floors in the exhibition rooms, and a grey pre-cast floor in the foyer and the hallway.
In-depth discussions with the artist led to a tailor-made dimensional analysis of the rooms as well as the development of an operating concept using a central room - the foyer and the hallway - which can be accessed from all exhibition rooms. The building offers approximately 1000 m² of exhibition space which is divided into five rooms. A crucial factor with regard to perception and orientation in the interior of the building is the precisely calculated lighting design, which ensures that light is always projected indirectly onto the walls, ceilings and floors, thus remaining constant. This also creates the impression of unobtrusive distance and abundant light. The rooms are designed to allow diverse lighting variations, from natural light coming from above and from the side, as well as pure artificial light, thus ensuring not only ideal conditions for displaying the works of Franz Gertsch, but also for temporary exhibitions and their various requirements.
Filmlet : «Architectural experience» (orig. «Erfahrbare Architektur»)
from Matthias Popp & André Popp www.movings.de
Hint: In order to watch the videofile, a browser plugin like Windows Media Player (*.wmv/*.mp4), Quicktime (*.mp4) or Flash/Shockwave (*.swf) is required.
