Designed by AVA (Andrea Vattovani Architecture), their proposal for the Museum of Bavarian History not only creates an icon for the city, but their intervention is able to emphasize and further develop the city structure. Since a box-like form didn‘t seem to be the best solution for integrating the museum in its surroundings, they took special notice of the urban surroundings and protected monuments in the development process. More images and architects’ description after the break.
With a large program, we decide to remove the old building and integrate a new one. Our building 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 tourists. 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 ‘BayerischeHimmel’ (Bavarian Sky), to provide better view of the Cathedral and Danube. The second one is 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, the building 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 the building with the Cathedral and the ‘Salzstadl’ as background? A dream-like 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.
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 entertainment 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 screening the façade, it provides a pleasant attraction. It could be a nice surprise for the tourists walking along the riverside to discover the multimedia facade of the museum.
The possibilities are endless. Various combinations are possible, from interaction with the current exhibition to providing day-to-day information for the citizens of Regensburg.
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 sun shading system to reduce direct light. The exhibition space distinguishes themselves with natural ventilation. Using the chimney effect the hot air goes upwards and exits the building. A cooled ceiling is used for regulating the room temperature and keeping the air fresh. Also, basins serve as air humidifiers.
