claudio nardi architects: MOCAK museum of contemporary art krakow

‘MOCAK’ by claudio nardi architects in krakow, poland image courtesy claudio nardi architects

italy-based firm claudio nardi architects has completed ‘MOCAK‘, the museum of contemporary art in krakow, poland. built on the industrial pavilions of the schindler factory, the design respects and integrates the historical site by creating continuity between the pre-existing and new construction.

structural glass in the floor image courtesy MOCAK

distinguished by the industrial, saw-toothed roofline, the existing building is used as a motif that makes itself present throughout the entire building. new exhibition spaces of irregular forms are generated by enveloping and embracing the old structure. in order to illuminate the interior with abundant natural daylight, a substantial amount of glass is incorporate into the angles of the ceiling, lending a contemporary ambience to the space. structural glass is also utilized on the floor of the street level to provide transparency to the basement below.

rampway under rooflight image courtesy claudio nardi architects

the glass shell that is set apart from the original structure puts the brickwork on display, especially at night when artificial lighting radiates from the interior. the regular form and structure of the roof light causes dramatic shadow play on both the building and the museum’s grounds.

view down ramp image courtesy MOCAK

views of the stairway image courtesy claudio nardi architects

up to street level image courtesy MOCAK

image courtesy MOCAK

image courtesy MOCAK

entrance image courtesy claudio nardi architects

views of museum during night image courtesy claudio nardi architects

original structure lit during night image courtesy claudio nardi architects

image courtesy claudio nardi architects

image courtesy claudio nardi architects

image courtesy malgorzata lapsa-malawska

internal plaza at night image courtesy malgorzata lapsa-malawska

exhibition room image courtesy MOCAK

image courtesy MOCAK

image courtesy MOCAK