This proposal new Archaeological Center of Punta Umbria, Spain is designed by ETB Architects. It is conceived of as a simple and light architecture in the form of an Arab tent that is open to the surrounding landscape and to all society.
More on this project after the break.
The site of the archeological museum is set in an important area of the city, which contains the ancient Roman remains as well as the beautiful landscape of the “Ria.” These two elements contribute to the design of the building which is that of a light pavilion that is lifted at points to reveal its precious contents. The tent almost doesn’t touch the ground which allows it to be protective for its contents but inclusive to the public space surrounding it.
It generates a generous covered space, as well as a public plaza, protecting the archeological remains and gives the museum a strong relationship to the landscape without disrupting the visual axis between road, water and the far skyline of Saltes Island. The museum looks for a neutral and quiet expressivity, so as to underline the importance of the archaeological site which is the true protagonist of the intervention. The strategy is to open the visual axis with paths that break the white box and transform it into a space of multiple relationships where the whole society can express the interest for discovering its own cultural roots.
Author: ETB Architects Location: Punta Umbria. Spain Team: Alessandro Tessari (director) German Pro, Matteo Bandiera, Nicola Di Pietro (project team) Type: International Competition. Date: 04.2011 Client: Municipality of Punta Umbria
