Traditional museum emits an aura of historical significance due to their exterior. Accumulations of this attribute to the modern Vitra Design Museum will further its sensational experience. The environment will encourage communication between people and time.
Carlo Scarpa provided the inspiration that is needed to redesign the Vitra Design Museum. His skilful manipulation of filtration and usage of rough, earthly materials evokes the traditional sensation of an aged edifice. Scarpa’s designs also relate to the changes of time, ranging from seasons to history, resulting in further enhancement of the grand image.
Concrete, copper cladding and glass were the main choices of material for the re-envision. Concrete provides a broad range of textures allowing the spectators to exemplify the traditional sensation of a historic building. Copper cladding for the roof was inspired by the Walt Disney Concert Hall as the whole building was wrapped in stainless steel cladding. It also helps with emphasising on the “reflective” sensation which is achieved throughout the building.
Glass is used to create slits and openings which run throughout the building to give filtration. The purpose of the slim slits that is found on the top of the building is deployed to create a slight filtration which provides the designer with the opportunity to unleash spectacular lighting effects.
The imposing building’s interior provides a delightful experience as the routes throughout the museum is carefully coordinated and encourages involvement. Slits are strategically placed throughout the building for many design innovations to guide the spectator through in a subtle manner.
The outside of the stairs are wrapped in glass. Spectators can easily be guided to or pulled towards the building by the illuminating stairs under the reflecting sunlights.
The lighting also adjusts throughout the courses of a day, accumulating additional exciting experiences. The effects of the sunlight will naturally enable the features of the museums to stand out. Up lights are placed around the building to give a “glowing” effect and at the same time, acts as a guide to take the spectator through the building.
There are two entrances and exits to the building so the building can be seen “differently” with the first entrance from either one. Although there are two ways in and out, the building is quite enclosed so it holds that sense of privacy and brings out a “cosy” sentiment.
The mixture of traditional and modern design encourages the audiences to travel visually back or forward in time to interact with the entire collection of artefact to enhance the enjoyable experience. Balance between traditional and modern is acquired when the structure of the museum juxtaposes with the materiality.
