Wien Museum Neu

Extension for the Municipal Museum of Vienna.

Vienna, AT. 2015.

The project for Karlsplatz focuses on transforming the area through four distinct gestures, aiming to enhance the urban setting while respecting its existing identity.

DETACHING. The design separates the Heardtl Museum from the Winterthur building, allowing each to stand independently. Modifications to the Winterthur building include mirroring the footprint of the western housing block and demolishing parts to create symmetry around St. Karlskirke. A top penthouse is added for extra space and proportion.

HIGHLIGHTING. A new "golden" roof, made of gold anodized aluminum, is added to the museum. This slightly elevated roof serves as a shiny marker, transforming the museum into a vivid, recognizable "solitaire" that aligns with the identity of the Glacis zone.

MIRRORING. The creation of a water pond, mirroring the museum's footprint, overturns the building's modesty, establishing it as a public monument. This water feature, and the existing oval pond near the Karlskirche, create a respectful dialogue between the two public buildings.

COLLECTING. A path across the square guides visitors underground into the heart of the museum. The path is lined with art and installations, leading people to an underground open space within the museum. The original entrance is repurposed as a café terrace.

Two worlds, multiple experiences, one museum:

• Above Ground: The building hosts urban and public activities, including a café and the Wien-Raum with a panoramic bay window and balcony. Administrative functions utilize natural light, and a high exhibition room is created under a large golden roof.

• Below Ground: Tailor-made exhibition rooms accommodate the museum collection among structural and archaeological constraints. Educational spaces and a large foyer enhance the visitor experience.

• Entrance: Designed as a sloping mezzanine, it crosses the water pond, providing areas for seating and viewing into the exhibition space. Its glass façade acts as a banner, especially illuminating at night to attract visitors to the event space below.