david chipperfield architects kunsthaus zurich design gets the go-ahead

construction for david chipperfield‘s design for the extension at the kunsthaus in zurich is underway. the kunsthaus is an important cultural establishment in switzerland, originally designed by the swiss architect karl moser. it was built between 1904 and 1910 and houses one of the world’s most major art collections. located at the south-east end of heimplatz close to zurich’s historical center, there will be a passageway underneath the square which will connect the kunsthaus to its new extension. the new building will exhibit contemporary art from the 1960s onwards, as well as classic modernism and areas for temporary exhibitions.

chipperfield’s plan is to clearly redefine the old existing with the new as compact volumes. the organization of the two urban spaces which are the heimplatz and the art garden, will be linked by a publicly accessible hall which spans the length of the entire building. the museum buildings are in close proximity to a theatre and altogether, this arrangement will form ‘a gateway to the arts‘.

all images courtesy of david chipperfield architects

the structure expresses a strong verticality, constructed of exposed concrete, the recurring thin strips run the full height of the stone façade framed by large window openings behind. the concept of the floor plan is to create ‘a house with rooms’, with services and facilities on the ground floor and the upper levels serving as exhibition rooms of various sizes. the collections on the first floor will be naturally lit whereas on the second, the pieces will be lit by diffused light from the skylights. 

old and new buildings

entrance area to the museum extension 

exhibition spaces lit by natural light from the long windows

‘a house with rooms’ the exhibition spaces are of all different sizes

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