COBE architects + transform: porsgrunn maritime museum and science center

'porsgrunn maritime museum and science center' by COBE architects + transform, porsgrunn, norway
all images courtesy COBE architects + transform


construction for the 'porsgrunn maritime museum and science center' in norway by copenhagen and berlin-based
practice COBE architects and danish firm transform has just begun. dedicated to the history of shipping which led to the
development of the encompassing industrial region, the structure overlooks a river which was also used for the process.
showing sensitivity to the quaint scale of the existing buildings, the square footprint is subdivided into nine volumes.
a series of pitched roofs oriented in diverse directions and heights cap each of the units. an aluminum facade wraps
the exterior to define the angles while responding to the continuously changing light and color conditions of the sky and water.



view of the museum and promenade overlooking the river


a promenade guides visitors to the interior's public functions which are arranged on the ground floor. a central stair leads away
from the multifunctional space and into the enclosed exhibitions of the first level. the ceilings range in height to create
clearly defined exhibits on smaller or larger collections but is flexible to unite the area showing the full extents of the white box.



view of museum within the landscape



site as it stands today



aerial view of ground level



aerial view of first level



aerial view with roof



model within site context



model



model illuminated



model illuminated



model illuminated



ground level detail



entrance detail



vicinity map



existing site


floor plan / level 0



floor plan / level 1



section



section



site outline diagram



nine volumes diagram



two stories diagram



building area diagram



museum in context diagram


project info:


location: porsgrunn, southern norway
client: telemark museum
program: maritime museum and science center
size: 1,700 m²
status: 1st prize 2009, design development started october 2009, completion 2011
collaborators: transform, sveco