In the 1990s the transparent glass box was used as a way of extending the historical building of the
Technical Museum of Vienna. It allowed views through the new building to the historical fabric and in this sense was felt to be as unobtrusive as possible, as well as an appropriate metaphor for what the museum is about.
But things change. The energy necessary to control the huge internal temperature swings of the glass structure are no longer environmentally acceptable. The space was also noisy, and did not provide the necessary emotional environment that curators now need for their museums.
Querkkraft Architects were asked to examine the issues and came up with this exciting intervention.
The solution centres around the a series of glass-fibre reinforced plastic furniture pieces that provide shady seating at their base, are acoustically absorbent on the top and act as illuminated sculpture by night. They also provide that spark of curiosity to enliven enquiring young minds.
Gratitude to
eVolo for bringing this project to my attention.
