To
solve this architecture program riddle we experimented with the magic square of
Albrecht Dürer’s etching Melancholia I. Dürers square consist of 4x4 fields,
mine has 5x5, which reflects more the five-part program. In all the 25 fields
is a number between 1 and 25. In a magic square, all five numbers of a
horizontal, vertical and diagonal row ad up to 65.
The
original two-dimensional square is turn into a three-dimensional one. Each one
of the 25 fields has a length and width of 15 meters, therefore the whole
square is 75x75 meters, which fits perfectly on the site. In height every unit
is one meter. Every field is now three-dimensional, a volume with the same
footprint and different heights. The volumes are connected on various levels
and every volume houses a distinct programmatic function.
The
building includes an art museum, a children’s museum, an architecture center,
various gastronomic entities and 25 artist studios with four apartments.
The
highest volume, [25] is the central lobby, which unites all the aspects of the
building. A wide stair meanders from the parking garage to the ground floor
public piazza, up through a split reception area for the art museum, a landing
for the children’s museum to arrive at the main information desk with
astonishing views over the city, the mountains and the Drava River. The roof is
an observation deck. Volume [4] bridges off on the highest level of the lobby
and houses the exhibition space of the architectural centre. Volume [1] is a
stage glowing at night and bringing light to the parking below during the day.
Volume [20] and [12] are next to each other on the river; besides their height,
these numbers also represent the year this building should open.
The
volumes hover above a grand piazza flooded by sunlight passing through open
fields. This is to allow maximum passage and vistas; become inviting to people
for gatherings and happenings; and to enhance the urban fabric. Almost all roof
levels are accessible to museum visitors, playing children and restaurant
guests. The roof is planted forming a three-dimensional sculpture park. The
structure leaves room for play and offers surprising perspectives of the
context.
This
building should be made out of in-situ concrete using gravel from different
regions of the Drava River, sharp stones form the Dolomites and round pebbles
from the partnering Danube, and even from the Black Sea. Self-cleansing white Istrian
stone is used for the pavement and maybe the facade outside. Below the building
geothermal wells capture sustainable energy not only for the museum itself, but
for the neighborhood as well.
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