Internet Explorer: benthem crouwel architects: stedelijk museum

2012年10月31日水曜日

benthem crouwel architects: stedelijk museum

'stedelijk museum' by benthem crouwel architects, amsterdam, the netherlands
image © john lewis marshall and jannes linders
all images courtesy of benthem crouwel architects

dutch firm benthem crouwel architects are responsible for the recent renovation to the stedelijk museum located in amsterdam.
originally designed by a.w. weissman, the building is known for its palatial rooms, natural lighting and, in particular, the impressive
staircase adorning the core of the space. these native elements have been preserved, as well as the characteristic white coloring introduced
by former director willem sandberg. the current structure is not only left almost completely unsullied, but more proudly flaunted by lifting
part of the new volume higher and submerging the remainder underground.

the entry to the museum has been relocated to the open area of museumplein filling a spacious translucent extension.
the fluid white structure above the entrance is affectionately termed ‘the bathtub’ featuring a sleek organic aesthetic composed of
reinforced fiber, complemented by a canopy audaciously extending out into the cityscape.

with the original edifice as a backdrop, the new seamless construction becomes the commanding symbol representing the stedelijk museum.
next to the entrance, a museum shop and the restaurant are located in the transparent volume on ground level.
these are accompanied by a knowledge centre, a library and a large exhibition hall of 1100 m2. two exhibition spaces are linked by two escalators
in an enclosed tube-like skin, through this, a visitor is able to cross the entrance area without leaving the exhibition passage and also without
disturbing public functions - allowing guests to remain within the distinctive atmosphere of the museum.

the interior of the old and new spaces are indistinguishable, making the otherwise powerful contrast between the two barely noticeable
when moving through the museum. the weissman building is brought to life under a single roof with the new striking addition.

read designboom's earlier coverage on the stedelijk museum here.