Brandhorst Museum in Munich
Soffits consisting of translucent mesh ensure an even distribution of light internally. On the ground floor, the concentrated zenith light from the external light-deflecting elements is reflected and scattered by the hyperbolic ceiling construction as top lighting through the suspended soffits. The white walls compensate for any change in tone of the deflected daylight. Only in the sculpture gallery was side lighting preferred as more advantageous for the three-dimensional works. In the basement, which projects out beyond the line of the head structure, is a large central “patio” to which daylight penetrates via a glass roof covered by an external grating. On this level, there are also smaller, artificially lighted cabinets for photography and video works. The flooring in all rooms consists of light-coloured oak boarding, which is meant to suggest the original private character of the collection and to allow direct, intimate contact with the works of art. The staircase leading to the various levels is also clad entirely in oak. With flights of stairs offset from each other, this structure extends through the building like a powerful sculpture in its own right.
