john pawson: design museum

'design museum' by john pawson, london, UK
image © alex morris visualization


plans for london's new 'design museum' created by british architect john pawson and nearby residential community by
dutch practice OMA were unveiled today. positioned within the former commonwealth institute building in kensington,
the addition will triple the existing center's space while showcasing a unique collection dedicated to architecture and industrial design.
originally constructed in the 1960's, the refurbishment will revive the dormant landmark's status, creating a state of the art facility
while expanding the education and public events program, doubling the amount of visitors to 500,000 per year.



The New Design Museum from Design Museum on Vimeo



entrance foyer
image © alex morris visualization


opening in 2014, the world-class museum will celebrate british creativity with galleries for permanent and
temporary exhibitions, education spaces and a library. the resource for designers and students will place the
subject within the spotlight, merging work from local and international stages.



second floor showing the permanent exhibition
image © alex morris visualization


design architect john pawson has stated:
'the most exciting thing about the project is that, at the end of it all, london will have a world-class museum of design,
with galleries for permanent and temporary exhibitions, education spaces and a library. there is particularly
nice symbolism in the fact that in making this legacy for future generations, we are saving a work of iconic architecture.
I hope the result will demonstrate that you don't need to demolish old buildings to make wonderful new public space.'



second floor
image © alex morris visualization



existing atrium within the commonwealth institute building
image © luke hayes



existing commonwealth institute building
image © luke hayes



exterior of the commonwealth institute building
image © luke hayes